Two-thirds of our economy is in the service sector. So why is service so bad?
Smart Spending
Gen Y’s Take on Car Ownership? ‘Not Cool’
Millennials are often viewed as “game changers” in the auto industry. Over the next 10 years, it’s anticipated that 40% of new cars sold will be purchased by Gen Y consumers. That’s assuming Gen Y consumers actually wind up …
Cheap Eats: Surprising Advice on Dining Out — From An Economist
Tyler Cowen is an economist who teaches at George Mason University. He has written economics columns for the New York Times, published what the Economist called “the most talked-about economics book of the year” in 2011, and was …
Why You May Be Less Likely to Delete that Daily Deal
For many consumers, “daily deal remorse”—regret felt after getting caught up in the moment and biting on an offer from Groupon or LivingSocial for no good reason—has been replaced by what might be called “daily deal fatigue.” …
London 2012: Businesses Promise Not to Gouge Tourists During Olympics
When the greatest show on earth heads to one of the world’s most expensive cities, it goes without saying that more than a few credit cards will be working overtime. But for the brave souls who are heading to London this …
Are Online Dating Services a Waste of Money?
Based on the numbers alone, the advantages of online dating services seem obvious. The sites grant access to larger pools of potential dates than you could ever find on your own, and the more people you connect with, the greater …
Groceries at Dollar Stores? Dollar General’s Drive to Become the ‘New General Store’
The past few years of economic turmoil have been a boon to dollar stores, which have proven to be a strong draw for shoppers seeking cheap gifts, clothes, and household goods. Man and woman cannot live on inexpensive tchotchkes and laundry detergent alone, though. For a dollar store to be a truly one-stop shopping experience, it’d need a …
Chrysler Leads the Way in Another Hot Month for Sales of New Cars
After monster sales totals for new cars in February and March, April is shaping up as another solid month for the auto industry. End-of-the-month deals and incentives aim to ensure that’s the case.
Millennials Are Biggest Suckers for Selfish Impulse Buys
Members of Gen Y—the “millennials” born roughly between 1980 and 1995—are perhaps the most studied demographic in history. We know everything from how often they post on Facebook and Twitter, to what degree they really want to be able to wear jeans at work. Here’s one more factoid about this group that retailers are sure to take note …
$9 Per Gallon? Where Gas Prices Remain Absurdly Expensive
Despite earlier forecasts anticipating steadily rising gas prices well past Memorial Day, prices at the pump began declining in April and are now cheaper than they were a year ago at this time. That’s not to say prices are …
It’s Yard Sale Season! 5 Rules for Smart Shopping
There’s a good argument to be made that many, if not most, things can and should be purchased used. In the interests of minimizing environmental impact and/or just saving a few bucks, all sorts of consumers swear by the wisdom of …
Condimania! The ‘New Ketchup’ and Other Hot Condiment Trends
If your refrigerator door is stocked with just two bottles of condiments—one Crayola yellow, the other Crayola red—and you use them only in strict traditional fashion (mustard on hot dogs, ketchup on French fries), then your …