Boy, have we talked a lot about inflation. It affected every part of our lives (and the economy) in 2022. Here are some of its highest highs and lowest lows. (It wasn't all bad news!)
Retail sales declined 0.6% in November compared to October, the biggest decline in almost a year. For once, declining prices seem to be part of the story.
Shoppers are expected to spend a record amount of money this year because nearly everything is more expensive. There are some relative bargains, if you know where to look.
Remember when we couldn't get enough athleisure? Or pajamas? Now, the hottest question for clothing retailers is whether they've got an "inventory glut." For shoppers, this means discounts.
Supply chain disruptions have eased since the height of the pandemic, but concern over a potential rail strike, which appears to have been narrowly averted, highlights how that system remains fragile.
Big box stores are working through an unexpected glut of inventory: TVs, kitchen appliances, hoodies and other hot pandemic items. Part of the problem is the bullwhip effect.
Cosmetics giant Revlon has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It has struggled to keep up with competition from newer brands and tackle supply chain problems caused by the pandemic.
Prashant Baid created halfloafnear.me for himself; he hates throwing out bread that's gone bad. But now, he says, the program has struck a chord with other people seeking to reduce food waste.
It's peak season for returns, which are setting a new record. Some end up back on shelves or get resold to other merchants, and some wind up in landfills or sail overseas.
