Retail feels the squeeze

In the Commerce Department’s retail sales report for July, sales at stores of all kinds were down 0.6%, when a modest increase in sales had been expected. Though some discretionary purchases are up, consumers are certainly tightening their belts. Also in this episode, we look at the decline of Etsy, how businesses near the Canadian border are dealing with fewer visitors, and the staying power of Candy Crush.

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Read the stories in today’s episode:

• Inflation dipped slightly in July, but remains above Fed's target
• Retail sales dropped sharply in July as consumers tighten spending
• The AI slop-ification of Etsy
• Fewer Canadian shoppers leave border businesses struggling
• The incredible staying power of Candy Crush Saga