TOKYO - March was a boom month for Askul, but the online retailer is far from happy. Shoppers racing to beat an impending increase in Japan's national sales tax swamped Askul's systems, snapping up toilet paper, instant rice and other essentials that will be more expensive when the rate goes up to 8 percent on Tuesday, from 5 percent.
Washington, D.C., might be taking a controversial page from Uber's book. Last week two D.C. Council members introduced legislation that would allow the city's mobile dispatch services to adjust fares based on demand, in a model known as "surge pricing," for passengers booking rides through an app.* If that sounds...
Vox's first Economic Naturalist column, in which an economist shows how economics applies to everyday life.
Increasing prices by 10% is among the most effective means of countering excessive consumption, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said.
The first attempt at establishing a national minimum wage, a part of 1933's sweeping National Industrial Recovery Act, was struck down by the Supreme Court i...
As cranberry farmers bring in record harvests and berry prices plummet, the industry is trying to recast the fruit outside its usual Thanksgiving milieu.
Researchers have little experience with raises of such magnitude. The effects, especially in areas with low median incomes, could be profound.
Prodded by the largest U.S. hummus maker, farmers in the heart of tobacco country are trying to grow chickpeas, an improbable move that reflects booming demand for hummus.
If we strip politicians of the privilege, maybe we can get a fair debate on housing law.
Consumers from California to Switzerland are developing a taste for dark chocolate, taking a bite out of global cocoa supplies and driving up candy prices in both high-end boutiques and mass-market drugstores.
Despite winning local battles against taxes intended to counteract obesity, soft drink makers are losing the war as consumer tastes change.
When it comes to prices, people don't behave rationally. And the best companies know.
Saudi Arabia will raise domestic petrol prices by up to 40 per cent, AFP has reported, citing the kingdom's state press agency, SPA. Initial reports suggested the increase in petrol prices is imminent. The change comes amid a raft of measures to combat the kingdom's record budget deficit of $98 billion in 2015.
Wholesale prices of the trendy, versatile vegetable have recently doubled.
As prices for commodities have dropped, the value of the Canadian dollar has fallen, a direct link to an economy that is dependent on oil and other resources.
To you, it’s just a ride-sharing app that gets you where you’re going. But to an economist, Uber is a massive repository of moment-by-moment data that is helping answer some of the field’s most elusive questions.
Prices of new textbooks have been going up like crazy — faster than food, cars, even healthcare. On today's show: Why textbooks have gotten so expensive.
Scotch whisky makers will appeal a decision by Scotland’s highest court that a floor on per-unit alcohol prices is legal, marking the latest salvo in a yearslong battle between the alcohol industry and the government.
Shares of sporting goods retailers were pummeled in early trading on Friday as dismal quarterly results from Hibbett and Foot Locker heightened investor concerns about a supply glut intensifying price wars in the industry.
The subscription service for movie tickets gained over 150,000 users after slashing its price, but a leading chain said it is “not welcome here.”
Switzerland is struggling to maintain stocks of 16 key vaccines, forcing doctors to adapt their practices.
Oregon farmers have grown three times what their customers can smoke in a year, causing bud prices to plummet and panic to set in
Dynamic pricing has now hit retail, meaning an item’s price can change dramatically in your cart as you browse, writes Kerry K. Taylor.
Tesco’s discount chain comes out cheaper on popular items – but Aldi pledges to fight back
Dairy farmers are under siege thanks to a strong dollar, low prices and changing consumer tastes.
