Will the new regulations protect consumers against misleading advertisements? Or is there some sort of government conspiracy afoot? While many observers welcome changes that promise to bring about more transparency in airline …
Smart Spending
In Major Shakeup, J.C. Penney Promises No More ‘Fake Prices’
Less than 1% of J.C. Penney’s revenues come from items bought at full price. By contrast, nearly three-quarters of merchandise sold by the department store chain is discounted by at least 50% off. What this tells shoppers is that …
Why (Bill) Size Really Does Matter
In some Big Apple circles there’s a concept referred to as “The New York City Street Tax.” This isn’t anything official. Rather, the idea is that the simple act of walking through the city—walking through any bustling city, …
Is That a Ford? Fiat? U.S. Consumers See Fewer Differences Between Car Brands
I’ve never been a car guy. I can’t tell you the difference between Honda and Hyundai. I don’t see a classic speedster (that’s the term, right?) on the road and say, “There goes the ’69 Camaro SS 396 4-Speed. Boy, listen …
Survey: Women Are Smarter, More Thorough When Buying Cars
Study after study shows that, generally speaking, women are uncomfortable haggling over major purchases. The groundbreaking book Women Don’t Ask indicated that men are four times more likely to initiate negotiations than women, …
The Next Big Things for Taco Bell, Starbucks, and Olive Garden
To broaden their appeal and expand business, each of these big-name chains is trying something new—adding breakfast, alcohol, and special bargain-priced deals, respectively.
Will Gen Y Lead the Shift from Gas-Powered Cars to Hybrids and Electric Vehicles?
A new survey indicates that Gen Y consumers—a.k.a., Millenials, those born roughly between 1982 and 1993—are more interested in hybrids and electric cars than they are in traditional, gas-powered automobiles. The problem, …
Study: The Best Time to Buy Cheap Airline Tickets is 6 Weeks Before a Flight
People often think that the sooner you buy your airline tickets, the better. Flying home for the holidays this year? Start looking now! But according to a new study, you’ll find the cheapest tickets six weeks before your trip …
Target Doesn’t Want to Be a Showroom for the Stuff You Buy for Less at Amazon
The retail term “showrooming” got a lot of attention in early December, when Amazon offered special discounts encouraging shoppers to use brick-and-mortar stores merely as showrooms, allowing consumers to scope out items in …
The Super Bowl Has Morphed into an Entire Season—for Advertising
Now that the New England Patriots and the New York Giants are set to play in Super Bowl XLVI, the hype for the “Super rematch” of the championship from four years ago can begin. (Where is David Tyree these days anyway?) The hype …
How Much You Spend Each Year on Coffee, Gas, Christmas, Pets, Beer, and More
A new report estimates that the average American worker drops nearly $1,100 annually on coffee. That’s not much less than what the average worker spends to commute to the job.
The Economics of Everest
When Everest Base Camp opens for the spring climbing season in March, Prince Harry may be among the climbers hoping to conquer the world’s tallest mountain, according to The Telegraph. The 27-year-old prince trekked across the …