Marketplace Business News

12/28/2025

According to LinkedIn, the number of job listings that include “storyteller” have doubled in 2025.

12/27/2025

When one of the largest manufactures of wallpaper cleaner started losing steam in the 1950s, the company decided to make a major pivot.

If the dough-like cleaner wouldn’t be used to clean walls, what if it were used for play?

Tim Walsh, toy designer with The Playmakers and author of “Timeless Toys,” talks about the origins of Play-Doh.

12/27/2025

Some of the best surfing is possible during those icy, windy months before the lakes freeze over. Those willing to face the frost actually help boost beachside communities.

12/27/2025

Fewer than 1% of job listings in 2025 advertised an end-of-year bonus, one study showed.

Plus: Play-Doh and anime.

Today on Marketplace.

Fewer than 1% of job listings in 2025 advertised an end-of-year bonus, one study showed. Plus: Play-Doh and anime.

12/26/2025

For our next episode of "This is Uncomfortable," we’d love to hear from YOU. We want to know – "How much money is enough?" at a time when inequality feels sharper than ever.

You can call our hotline and leave a message at 347-RING-TIU or email us at [email protected] to share your answer for a chance to be featured!

Starting in January, we'll be in your feeds every week!

12/26/2025

Every week, the Marketplace news quiz brings you a fresh set of questions about the economy—from the quirky to the wonky.

It's a fast, fun way to test your knowledge and maybe learn something new.👇

Every week, the Marketplace news quiz brings you a fresh set of questions about the economy — from the quirky to the wonky. Whether you’re a news ju**ie, a casual scroller or just love a little trivia...

12/26/2025

Since the de minimis exemption was abolished four months ago, the number of parcels coming to the U.S. worth less than $800 has fallen by 54%.

12/26/2025

Now that Christmas presents are unwrapped, many Americans are looking to return those gifts. And in some cases, those returns might cost you.

According to a National Retail Federation survey, 72% of retailers have started charging for certain returns this year, up from 66% last year.

According to a National Retail Federation survey, 72% of retailers have started charging for certain returns this year, up from 66% last year.

12/26/2025

Widgets are a general stand-in for any produced good. But how do we think about widgets when goods are only a fraction of what we produce?

12/26/2025

The economy doesn’t stop – but neither do we. Your support ensures Marketplace can keep covering the issues that matter. Make your gift now: https://mktplc.org/4pLp3Xj

12/25/2025

“What walks down stairs alone or in pairs and makes a slinkety sound? Everyone knows it’s Slinky!”

What started as a mechanism to keep equipment stable on board a Navy ship ended as one of the most recognizable toys of the 20th century. And at the helm of it all was Betty James, one of the first major female players in the toy industry.

“What walks down stairs alone or in pairs and makes a slinkety sound? Everyone knows it’s Slinky!”

12/25/2025

Home heating costs are expected to jump more than 9% this winter.

Plus: Slinkys, widgets, “football,” and AI training.

Today on Marketplace.

Home heating costs are expected to jump more than 9% this winter. Plus: Slinkys, widgets, “football,” and AI training.