April 2025 Friday’s e-links: Supermarket Economics

Every once in a while, (and sometimes each day) I listen to a great podcast, enjoy an article, or see a good video that I want to share with you. These are my e-links.

Last updated 4/11/25

It’s always nice to have a pleasant diversion during my 4-mile walk–especially if it is cold and rainy (instead of springtime). So, this week, I was especially pleased to have listened to a Freakonomics podcast about Trader Joe’s. Although it’s a supermarket, Trader Joe’s, according to Freakonomics, can teach us economics. Much smaller than most supermarkets, it has more sales per square foot. At 80%, its emphasis on the store brand is an anomaly. As for the economics, the podcast mentioned choice architecture, decision fatigue, how to treat employees, and why standing behind a counter is counterproductive. The emphasis was the behavioral economic nudge but also traditional supply and demand.

Indeed, through Trader Joe’s, we can see why economics is everywhere.