Retail

Some retailers now pay for "secret shoppers" to make sure their sales people are performing well. It's made the mystery-customer business an $800 million industry. But commentator Moira Manion, who works in retail sales, says it may not be money well spent.

While much of the retail economy is feeling the pinch of subprime, luxury spending seems only to be growing. But Steve Henn reports the high-end market could be skewing retail numbers across the board.

With the price of wheat at an all-time high, consumer groups in Italy are urging people to go on a pasta strike for one day. Reporter Megan Williams talks to Scott Jagow from Rome about whether or not this is actually possible.

If you thought O.J. Simpson's new book had been abandoned in the face of public outrage, it had. Now one of the leaders of that protest will be profiting from the book instead. Tim Rutten of the Los Angeles Times explains.

With the holiday season looming on the horizon, China is promising buyers that toys made within its borders will be safe for kids come Christmas. Kai Ryssdal talks with toy expert Chris Byrne about the future of "Made in China."

Wal-Mart is changing its slogan of "Always low prices" that it's had for 19 years. Jill Barshay reports that the change shows how the retail giant is adapting to the growing sophistication of its customers.

OPEC members are in Vienna today to consider pumping more crude oil onto the world market to bring down prices. But some members say increasing supply isn't necessary. Jeff Tyler reports.

The Body Shop founder Anita Roddick was committed to good causes long before it was fashionable. The retailer died last night at the age of 64, and Stephen Beard says the ethically-minded are paying tribute.

FDA officials are debating whether changes in food labels might help consumers make healthy choices. Helen Palmer reports there are plenty of ideas but not much consensus.

U.S. and Chinese regulators are expected to adopt new standards to prevent products containing lead paint from entering the United States. But, as Amy Scott reports, with the holiday shopping season approaching, the toy industry is taking matters into its own hands.