MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – Grocery shoppers are noticing more fruits and veggies wrapped in single-use plastic, and opinions are split. According to a Yahoo report, some shoppers appreciate the convenience and perceived freshness, while others worry about waste, cost and whether that thin layer actually protects produce. Stores are responding to preferences, but it’s helpful to know what to look for at the produce aisle. Here are practical points to keep in mind so your purchases match your priorities: Freshness vs. waste: Plastic can reduce bruising and moisture loss, but not always enough to justify the extra packaging for every item. Price and value: Packaged produce often costs more per item. Check unit pricing or compare with loose options. Safety and hygiene: Some shoppers prefer wrapping for perceived cleanliness, but rinsing loose produce at home is effective too. Recyclability: Look for recycling symbols — thin film plastic often needs special drop-off recycling, no...
Retail Sales Jumped 1.4% in March — and it wasn’t just spring fever. Shoppers across the U.S. raced to stock up on big-ticket items li ke electronics, vehicles, and sporting goods — not because they needed them right away, but because they feared what was coming: tariffs. The Big Picture: Consumers, anticipating higher prices from Trump’s expanding tariffs , rushed to make major purchases. Auto sales jumped 5.3%. Electronics rose 0.8%. Sporting goods? A solid 2.4% boost. Even restaurants saw a 1.8% gain — a rare lift when economic anxiety is brewing. The Details Retailers Should Know: Grocery stores saw a modest 0.1% increase , but this may not hold: rising costs could soon shift shopper behavior. Furniture and home goods were down 0.7% , indicating that not every category benefited. Analysts warn that once shoppers finish this round of “buy now, beat the tariffs,” sales may drop — sharply. Why This Matters: Consumers expect prices to rise...