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The 5 R's of sustainability can help you be a more conscious consumer
Being a conscious consumer is good for both the environment and your wallet because it means thinking twice before you buy. An easy way to make sustainable decisions is to follow the 5 R’s of sustainability: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot or compost. Sabrina Auclair owns Unpacked Living, a sustainable refillery store in Beverly, Massachusetts. “Using your reusable water bottle, bringing...
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You can still buy a sofa for $399 — here's why you may not want to
Over time, home furnishings have experienced a decline in quality. Here’s how to find pieces that will still stand the test of time, and keep an eye on cost.
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Returns fraud is a growing problem for retailers, and it could mean headaches for customers
If you haven’t returned those unwanted Christmas presents yet, it may be too late. The holiday returns deadline has already been met in most stores. Depending on the store’s policies, if you have the label and receipt, you may still be able to get store credit, but don’t expect it. Many retailers are taking stronger actions due to growing...
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Some Ross Dress for Less items are selling for as low as 49 cents. Here's why
After the end-of-year sales season, influencers take to social media to give tips on the best discounts in stores in the country.
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Fake reviews are a multibillion-dollar quicksand — here's how to avoid getting sucked in
For many, a string of glowing reviews, or the mark of five golden stars, usually seals the deal in a purchase decision. But what’s real and what’s phony?
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Still looking for deals on holiday gifts? Retailers are offering discounts on Cyber Monday
For several major retailers, the “Cyber Monday” sale is a days-long event that began over the weekend.
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Planning to shop on Cyber Monday? Be aware of the return policies
Shoppers will be out and about the next few days to make the most of the holiday deals, but buyers should be aware of return policies if a purchase doesn’t go as planned.
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Buyer beware: Shein receives an ‘F' rating from Better Business Bureau, citing wide array of issues
Shein, a popular fashion retailer based in China and headquartered in Singapore, has received an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau, who cited a wide array of issues with the massive online retailer.
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Browser extensions can save you money, but they also sell your data
The money-saving experts at the consumer website NerdWallet say browser extensions are an easy way to save money when you’re shopping online. But there’s also a tradeoff of your personal information. When you’re looking for the perfect gift through your phone, tablet, or computer, start the same way you would if you were shopping in person, make a list. “You want...
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Eggo just launched a $150 robot vacuum cleaner that looks like a toasted waffle
The robot has been designed to look like a toasted Eggo waffle covered in butter and syrup, with the brand’s iconic yellow and red iconography lining its edges.
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Costco CFO says membership rate hikes ‘a question of when, not if'
During Costco’s quarterly earnings call on Thursday, the company’s CFO said the wholesale retailer plans to increase the price of its membership, but it is not able to say exactly when as of yet.
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Seven tips to be a safer, savvier, consumer
Wish you had an instruction manual for how to be a savvy consumer? Well, here it is. Boston Consumers’ Checkbook, a nonprofit consumer watchdog group, asked its editors and other consumer experts for their top strategies to save money and avoid trouble. “You really do have to shop around to make sure you’re getting a good deal, that you’re...
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Macy's is opening a small store in Boston in a bid to lure new customers
Boston is about to get a new kind of Macy’s as the department store giant expands its small-store format into the West and Northeast, looking to offer more convenient shopping, increase customer visits and add new shoppers.
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Several Buy Buy Baby, Harmon stores to reopen after buyers scored deals on the bankrupt brands
The new owners of Buy Buy Baby plan to reopen 11 stores as soon as this fall while Harmon is coming back, too, after Bed Bath & Beyond’s bankruptcy.
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Thinking of buying a new pair of jeans? Here's how to get the most for your money.
For some smart shoppers, getting dressed is one big math problem.
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Shoppers embrace ‘girl math' to justify luxury purchases — here's how it works
Cash-strapped consumers can justify their luxury purchases with TikTok’s latest trend: ‘girl math.’
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Massachusetts' tax-free weekend arrives just in time for back to school
Do your weekend plans include shopping? They should if you’re looking to save some money on items you need. Massachusetts’ annual sales tax holiday is upon us and comes just as many parents are making back-to-school purchases. “Back-to-school invokes really nostalgia and family traditions and desire to really set our children up for success,” said Anthony Jardim, a principal...
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No more freebies: Companies crack down on customer perks and rewards
Companies from Dunkin’ to Delta, Netflix to Sephora are pulling back on freebies and perks as they chase higher margins.
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Back-to-school essentials and money-saving tips
Back-to-school season is almost upon us. If you’re not sure where to look to shop, expert Trae Bodge shares different options for different supplies. She also shares some tips on how to shop smart and save money.
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Head back to school in style, daily deals from Zulily
Back-to-school season is just around the corner and if you need to do some shopping, Zulily is here for you. Amy E. Goodman, a Zulily lifestyle expert, shares just a few of the useful and stylish products they offer.