Many broad economic indicators are positive, but consumer sentiment is negative. Even with cooling inflation and low unemployment, consumers are still feeling the economic strain. In today's episode, we look at three ways the US consumer is feeling the pinch.

Related episodes:
Dollar stores vs. lettuce
Factory boom, credit card debt defaults and housing (Apple / Spotify)
Are we counting jobs right? We answer your listener questions (Apple Podcasts / Spotify)

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Dollar Tree plans to close about 600 Family Dollar stores in the first half of this year and 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree stores over the next several years.

The Food and Drug Administration found dead and live rodents, and their feces and urine. More than 1,200 rodents were exterminated after fumigation at the warehouse, which serves more than 400 stores.

Family Dollar says it is not aware of any complaints from customers nor any reports of illnesses related to the recall.

A Family Dollar in York, Alabama is one of the few shopping options in town. But it's shuttered due to a warehouse rodent infestation.