Online Traffic Bodes Well For Cyber Monday November 30, 2008 • Holiday shoppers aren't just snapping up bargains in stores this weekend — they're prowling the Internet, too. Online shopping traffic was up 10 percent on Black Friday — a good initial sign for retailers in a shaky economy.
Economy Economy Focus Of Obama, Governors Meeting November 30, 2008 • President-elect Barack Obama will meet Monday with governors from across the nation to discuss the potential plans for an economic stimulus package. Two of the governors who will be present — Republican Jim Douglas of Vermont and Democrat Chris Gregoire of Washington — talk to Andrea Seabrook about economic stimulus from the states' point of view.
Used Clothing Stores Enjoying Downturn November 30, 2008 • The nation's retailers are struggling. A slumping economy has kept shoppers out of stores from Saks to Abercrombie & Fitch to Gap. But for one small sector, the downturn has brought an uptick in business.
Sports In Game Of Super Bowl Ads, GM Forfeits November 29, 2008 • This year, longtime Super Bowl advertiser GM looked at its showrooms, looked at the balance sheet, looked at the $3 million price tag — and opted out.
Economy Economists Predict Bad Year For Chicken Business November 29, 2008 • John Anderson, an agriculture economist at Mississippi State, says the 2009 chicken forecast is not looking so good. He and his peers are predicting a reduction in chicken production for the first time in more than three decades. Anderson tells host Andrea Seabrook why this is happening and its implications for consumers.
Economy Charities Struggle Just When Needed Most November 29, 2008 • The downturn in the economy is hitting some charities — which rely on donors — hard. A charity for battered women and homeless families, based in Arlington, Va., counted among its donors the who's who of the Wall Street meltdown.
Economy Economic Ripples From Mumbai, Citigroup November 29, 2008 • This week, India's financial hub was attacked, Citigroup was guaranteed billions more in bailouts and Black Friday opened the holiday shopping season.
Economy Lean Times For Food Banks November 29, 2008 • Food banks across the country are especially stressed this holiday season, with demands for services up and donations down. At the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., they're struggling to keep up with the calls.
Race Minority Contractors Lose Preference At Pentagon November 28, 2008 • A Pentagon affirmative action program that benefits contracting companies owned by racial minorities has been declared unconstitutional. The decision was issued Nov. 4 — Election Day — so it hasn't received much attention. But the decision could mean the end of similar programs at all levels of government.
Your Money For Store Clerks, Black Friday Is A Source Of Tales November 28, 2008 • Jeff shares some of his memorable Black Friday retail stories with Michele and talks about his new book, The Customer is Always Wrong: The Retail Chronicles. He joins us from KWGS in Tulsa, Okla.
Environment Beating Washers Into Wind Turbines In Iowa November 28, 2008 • Many people know Iowa for its corn. But for decades it was a major source of household appliances, as industry giants like Amana, Maytag and others supplied much of Americans' demand. Most of the factories are closed now, and the losses hit the state hard. But Iowa has since taken the lead in the emerging field of wind energy.
Economy A Push To Get In The Black On Black Friday November 28, 2008 • The Friday after Thanksgiving is the traditional start of the holiday season, with retailers offering sale items to lure shoppers into stores. This year the economic downturn has retailers very worried and they are going all out to get people to open their pocketbooks.
Economy Foreclosures Revive Home-sharing November 28, 2008 • With the rise in foreclosures, many people are going back to an old-fashioned way to save on housing: sharing. One newly married couple decided to try the measure after one spouse was laid off. Vermont Public Radio's Nina Keck reports.
Economy Happy Economy Tales: Good Plumbing November 28, 2008 • It's the morning after that big Thanksgiving feast and the kitchen sink is clogged. This is good news for Kevin Shaw of Kevin Shaw Plumbing. The day after thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for people in his line of work. NPR's Alex Cohen catches up with him between service calls.
Financial Turmoil Grips World Markets Trust Me, Money Is About More Than Currency November 28, 2008 • The Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve are spending billions of dollars to stabilize the economy. But where is that money coming from? NPR's Adam Davidson gives Steve Inskeep a lesson on money: It's more than currency — it's about trust and relationships.