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Shopping

Faced with an onslaught of returns, retailers are telling shoppers: "Just keep it."

by Henry Epp
Dec 1, 2023
“Returnless refunds” or “keep it" return policies have now been adopted by more than half of major retailers, according to a new survey.
One reason retailers have adopted "keep it" return policies is that shipping and re-shelving can cost a lot.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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In retail, it's all about "omnichannel" selling

by Elizabeth Trovall
Nov 23, 2023
It’s not in-store versus online — it’s in-store and online, and something in between.
"[Walmart's] in-store experience is really consistent. They have a lot of doors throughout the U.S. But they're also putting a lot of efforts into online Black Friday deals," said Brittany Steiger at Mintel.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Big box stores go big on renovations to tempt shoppers

by Kristin Schwab
Nov 7, 2023
They're trying to stay ahead of what customers, now used to online convenience and speed, expect from a retailer.
Endless aisles are Walmart’s strength — but also its weakness.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Retail group predicts record holiday spending

by Stephanie Hughes
Nov 3, 2023
The National Retail Federation predicts at least $957 billion in sales this holiday season. But that might not mean everyone is splurging.
Prices for goods are up nearly 1% from a year ago, according to the latest PCE price index.
Mark Makela/Getty Images
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The shortcomings of self-checkout

by David Brancaccio and Alex Schroeder
Oct 30, 2023
It's not saving retailers as much money as promised, says Amanda Mull of The Atlantic. And it doesn't always make customers' shopping trips easier.
Big retailers are finding that they often need to increase their staffing at self-checkout areas because of difficulties with the technology.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
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Apparel sales might catch a chill as winter nears

by Meghan McCarty Carino
Sep 28, 2023
Nike reported disappointing earnings, weakening the outlook for clothing sales — which have a lot to do with the year-end shopping season.
Since clothing isn't as essential for most households as food and gasoline, sales may soften.
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images
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"People are feeling the pinch," Montana mall manager says

by Kai Ryssdal , Richard Cunningham and Andie Corban
Sep 12, 2023
We check in with Alana Ferko, manager of the Butte Plaza Mall, who tells us about vacancy rates and a few special guests.
"People are very good at patronizing, and I appreciate that. But it's not enough," says Alana Ferko of the Butte Plaza Mall's vacancies. "I mean, they're gonna put out the energy to come to the mall, we want it to be worth it." Above, a mall in Florida.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Why does Costco sell luxury items?

by Jana Kasperkevic
Aug 18, 2023
Everyone loves a good deal.
A worker pushes carts outside a Costco Wholesale store in Mount Prospect, Illinois.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images
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Some welcome inflation news: Prices for goods online are falling

by Sabri Ben-Achour
Apr 10, 2023
It's not inflation slowing, it's actual prices falling.
The price — and demand — for electronics like PCs has dipped substantially since the start of the pandemic.
Jon Cherry/Getty Images
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"You only live once" may explain Americans' continued spending spree

by Kristin Schwab
Mar 16, 2023
Some attribute it to pent-up demand. Others think the American consumer may have changed.
From dining out more frequently to traveling more, Americans continue to splurge on services despite persistent inflation.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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