Alina Selyukh - NPR
We’re spending $700 million on pet costumes in the costliest Halloween ever
More U.S. shoppers are buying into Halloween this year, scaring up a new spending record for costumes, decorations, candy and cute outfits for pets.
The unexpected American shopping spree seems to have cooled
Retail spending declined 0.4% in February compared to January, the Commerce Department said on Wednesday.
Kroger and Albertsons plan merger to combine 2 largest supermarket chains
Kroger plans to buy Albertsons in a deal valued at $24.6 billion, a merger that would combine the two largest grocery-store chains in the U.S., the companies said on Friday.
From living rooms to landfills, some holiday shopping returns take a ‘very sad path’
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.
Warehouses are overwhelmed by America’s shopping spree
The U.S. is dotted with more warehouses than ever. But they are overwhelmed by record-level imports, a lack of workers and a shopping spree of unprecedented proportions.