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McDonald's sales slipped. That may mean lower-income consumers feel pinched.

Jul 29, 2024
Reporting quarterly results, the fast-food company said customers "continue to be more intentional with the dollars they spend."
McDonald's weak results are prompting varied interpretations. Maybe consumers are tightening their budgets, or maybe they're moving higher up the food chain.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

With more products on sale, consumers are ready to buy

Aug 25, 2022
Retailers are trying to get rid of excess inventory by marking down certain products. That's likely to lure shoppers.

Small-business owners are struggling with their supply chains. But they're more optimistic.

Sep 14, 2021
The National Federation of Independent Business reports nearly half of small businesses surveyed raised prices in August.
Supply chain hiccups are translating into higher prices at small businesses, including some stores that sell eyewear.
Philippe Huguen/AFP via Getty Images

Retailers' holiday sales strategy this year? Fewer, smaller sales

Dec 7, 2020
They're trying to make a profit selling less stuff, but holding the line on prices.
A pedestrian walks past a store advertising a Black Friday sale in New York.
Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

In China, livestream sales flourish in time of COVID-19

Jul 27, 2020
Struggling retailers hope livestreaming will provide a lifeline. Aspiring influencers don't always strike it rich.
Former livestreaming influencer Sam Tian says making it in the industry is largely a matter of luck.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

China's livestream sales: How brands reach consumers during COVID-19

Apr 6, 2020
Consumer spending plummeted while people stayed home. But Taobao saw livestream sales sessions double on its app.
Songzi during a marathon six-hour livestream broadcast selling cosmetics.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

iPhone sales fall in China, but fans abound

Jan 28, 2019
Apple prices can be an issue, but many Chinese still consider the devices prestigious.
An Apple store in Shanghai offers customers a discount on the new iPhone XR model if they trade in an older iPhone model.
Jennifer Pak/Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

Holiday season discounts bring shoppers but not always profits

Dec 28, 2018
For many people, the end of the holiday season means dragging a Christmas tree out to the curb. For stores, it means throwing out advertisements for doorbusters and holiday deals — as well as dragging Christmas trees to the curb. The final two months of the year are retailers’ busiest, but all of those deals […]

Retailers offer online discounts because they want consumers to click to shop

Dec 25, 2018
And companies are getting more than just your money.
iStock/Getty Images