consumer spending

October 28, 2018

The Red and Blue States That Agree on Halloween Candy Favorites

While Halloween candy spending displays some agreement between red and blue states, it also relates to a top ten list of economic ideas.

March 26, 2018

Why the Retail Apocalypse Could Be a Renaissance

Even with mall traffic declining and stores closing, retail restructuring might lead to a renaissance fueled by creative destruction rather than an apocalypse.

December 21, 2017

Why We Give The Wrong Gifts

When we receive presents that disappoint us, gift giving creates deadweight loss that diminishes the economic boost from holiday spending.

December 13, 2017

Why a Starbucks Christmas Tree Frappuccino Has a Brief Life

The Christmas Tree Frappuccino had a short life. It was here Thursday and gone Monday. But Starbucks had a good reason. Frappuccino History The Christmas Tree […]

October 18, 2017

The iPod, Starbucks, and Richard Thaler’s Behavioral Economics

Discussing the iPod he designed, Tony Fadell expressed his frustration with products that said “charge before use.” He remembered arriving home excited about a newly purchased […]

September 25, 2017

The Mystery of the Disappearing Restaurants

Used to be we would prepare dinner at home while eating out was occasional. No more. Now, especially for lunch and dinner, someone else prepares the […]