Retailers Prepare For Holiday Shopping
We take a look at what this year's Black Friday sales indicate about the direction of the economy.
Economy
How Black Friday Has Evolved Throughout The Years
Years ago, retailers had an unofficial agreement: Black Friday would be the start of the shopping season. Then some stores started opening their doors and offering sales on Thanksgiving Day. That created some conflicts between consumerism and turkey consumption and now the pendulum is swinging back again.
What States Are Doing To Stop Rural Money Drains
Farmers survive by sending food to cities, and when they die their assets often leave just as fast, going to heirs living in urban areas. That financial drain helps accelerate small town decline. So, some states are working systematically to keep a fraction of that outward bound money — billions each year — at home.
Poll: Economists Unanimous That Debt Would Balloon Under GOP Tax Plan
A poll found that 38 economists agree the GOP tax plan will not pay for itself through growth. In fact, they're doubtful that growth will happen anyway.
Taxes, Big-Box Stores And The 'Dark Store Theory'
Some towns rely on taxes that big-box stores pay to help keep their lights on. But in several states, cities accuse those retailers of undervaluing their own properties so they can pay less tax.
Walmart And Amazon's Food Fight
Amazon and Walmart each want to sell you groceries as part of their plan to sell everyone everything. So now Walmart is inventing new kinds of foods to lure customers into the store.
Despite Trump's Promises, Coal Plants Keep Closing
Despite President Trump's vow to put coal miners back to work, coal plants keep closing. We visit a Texas town where one is slated to shut down soon.
Companies Are Trying To Get Shoppers Back In The Stores With Doorbusters
Stores are bringing back doorbuster deals that are available in-store only — a gambit to get more people physically shopping on the Thanksgiving weekend. One of the best discounts this year is 4K televisions.
After Maria: Puerto Rico & Thanksgiving
How many people really died after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico? The official death toll is 55. New evidence suggests that's wrong and by a lot.
Don't Compromise Your Personal Information This Holiday Shopping Season
Consumers say they're worried about identity theft this holiday season, but they say these concerns won't affect how they shop. Here are steps you can take to protect your data online and in stores.