For years, generous return policies have been a major selling point for retailers. But as return fraud and abuse continue to cost businesses billions of dollars, some retailers are taking a much tougher approach—including banning customers from making future returns or shopping with them altogether. Retailers are increasingly using technology to analyze customers' return histories and identify patterns that could indicate abuse. Return Fraud Is Costing Retailers Billions The

Target is facing widespread backlash after a children's Halloween costume sold by the retailer was criticized for resembling racist caricatures associated with Blackface and minstrel shows. The costume, marketed as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” featured an orange-and-black outfit, black gloves and a mask with an exaggerated, wide smile and small top hat. A promotional image showed a Black child wearing the costume, which further fueled cri

Chain restaurants across the United States are closing hundreds of locations as consumers increasingly say they are tired of paying higher prices for meals out. The trend is particularly noticeable among value-conscious customers, including New Yorkers who say restaurant meals have become too expensive to justify as frequently as they once did. Recent reporting shows that major chains are scaling back their footprints, while some independent restaurants are also struggling wi

Retail Sales Post Largest Drop in More Than a Year Published: August 18, 2026 Americans pulled back on their spending in July, with retail sales recording their largest decline in more than a year, according to newly released Commerce Department data. The latest numbers point to a noticeable slowdown in consumer spending, an important indicator of the overall health of the U.S. economy. Americans Cut Back on Spending Economists are closely watching the July figures as consume

Who says you can't dance your way to cheaper gas? Customers at the Sunoco Station and Halfmoon Car Wash in Clifton Park, New York, got an unusual opportunity to save money at the pump: show off your best dance move and get 20% off your gas. “Want a discount? Show us your best dance move.” A sign at the station offered customers the deal, and people were more than willing to take the challenge. Videos show customers shaking, shimmying and singing along as they danced inside t

If a vehicle looks like an Amazon delivery van, operates like one and delivers Amazon packages, you might assume it's simply an Amazon delivery operation. But Amazon says the situation is more complicated. What's the issue? The debate centers on who is legally responsible for Amazon's delivery operations and the workers who carry out those deliveries. Amazon relies heavily on independent delivery businesses and contractors to get packages to customers. The company has argued

Buc-ee's has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against a convenience store in Beavercreek, Ohio, alleging that the independently owned business is using branding that is too similar to Buc-ee's well-known name and logo. What Buc-ee's claims According to the lawsuit, Buc-ee's argues that the Beavercreek store: Uses a business name that could confuse customers. Displays a logo that is allegedly similar to Buc-ee's trademarked branding. Infringes on the company's fe

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino is stepping down nearly a year after the restaurant chain’s attempted rebrand sparked strong reactions from customers. Leadership change According to reports: Cracker Barrel announced that Masino will leave her role as CEO next month. She will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through October 9 to help with the transition. The rebrand controversy The leadership change comes after the company introduced efforts to modernize its bra

Americans are changing the way they shop for food as ongoing financial pressures continue to impact household budgets. New data shows grocery purchases are slowing, creating challenges for retailers and food companies. Grocery sales volume is declining According to data from Bain & Company and NielsenIQ shared with CNBC: Grocery unit sales remained mostly flat through 2025. Purchases declined by about 2% year over year in many months since February 2026. While shoppers are st

Taco Bell says it is taking voluntary precautionary measures as federal and state health officials continue investigating a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. While thousands of illnesses have been reported since May, investigators have not yet identified a definitive source or confirmed a link to Taco Bell. What Taco Bell is doing The company announced that it has: Temporarily removed certain fresh ing

George E. Johnson, the pioneering entrepreneur who built one of America's most influential Black-owned businesses, has died at the age of 99. From humble beginnings to business pioneer Born in a small cabin in Mississippi, Johnson went on to found Johnson Products Company, a company that transformed the Black hair care industry. By the mid-1960s: His company's products controlled an estimated 80% of the Black hair care market. Popular brands such as Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen

ABC News correspondent Juju Chang traveled to Seoul, South Korea, to explore how the country's influential beauty industry is increasingly focusing on men as skincare and grooming become more mainstream among American consumers. Men's grooming is becoming more mainstream South Korea has long been considered a global leader in skincare innovation. Now, companies are expanding their reach by developing products and marketing campaigns aimed specifically at men, reflecting chang

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, one of its most enduring brands is also celebrating a legacy that spans more than 170 years: Levi Strauss & Co.. How it all began Levi Strauss founded the company in 1853 after moving to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush. Initially, he sold dry goods and supplies to miners and settlers. In 1873, Strauss partnered with tailor Jacob Davis to patent riveted work pants—a design that became the world's first blue jean

What’s being alleged According to reports: A customer claims their food may have been intentionally contaminated The complaint has led to legal and health-related accusations Law enforcement and health officials are reviewing the incident Current status The case is under investigation No final findings or confirmed medical conclusions have been publicly released Officials have not issued a completed ruling on the allegations Bottom line A McCurtain County Arby’s employee is f

Virginia officials have reached an agreement to create a legal, regulated cannabis retail market, marking a major policy shift in the state. What’s been announced According to state leaders: Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Senate Majority Whip Lashrecse Aird, and Del. Paul Krizek announced a new deal The agreement would establish a regulated cannabis retail system in Virginia It follows earlier legislation that was rejected by the governor last month What the plan would do If enacte

The community in South Boston is rallying around two children after a frightening armed robbery at their neighborhood lemonade stand. What happened According to reports: Two children were operating a lemonade stand in South Boston A suspect allegedly approached them and displayed a gun The children were robbed during the incident One of the victims later recalled, “He showed us the gun” Community response After the incident: Neighbors and local residents expressed shock and c

A viral claim states that Elon Musk became the world’s first trillionaire after an initial public offering (IPO) of SpaceX. What the claim says According to the report: SpaceX allegedly began trading publicly through an IPO The valuation surge supposedly pushed Elon Musk into trillionaire status The IPO is described as part of a broader wave of AI-related public offerings Important context As of verified financial reporting: SpaceX is still a privately held company and has no

A man in South Jordan, Utah, says he was unable to get help from Apple customer service because an artificial intelligence system appeared to be making the final decision on his support requests. What he claims happened According to the report: The man was trying to resolve a customer service issue with Apple He says he was repeatedly denied escalation or human support An AI-based system allegedly handled or filtered his requests He described the experience as being “shot dow

Louis Vuitton has filed a lawsuit against Maryland Live! Casino, alleging unauthorized use of its trademark, according to reports. What the lawsuit is about The luxury fashion house claims that the casino: Used Louis Vuitton branding without permission Misused trademarked designs or logos Created potential confusion around official affiliation or endorsement Violated intellectual property protections tied to its brand identity About the dispute Trademark cases like this typic

ABC is planning a major broadcast event titled “Disney Celebrates America” to honor the United States’ 250th anniversary, featuring 24 hours of special programming across the July 4 weekend. What the special includes The marathon programming will: Air across ABC over the Independence Day weekend Span a full 24-hour broadcast event Highlight key moments in American history Travel “coast-to-coast” across the country Feature storytelling tied to national milestones and culture P