Brad Tuttle

America's Shopping Cart

To some extent, Americans are what they buy. Consumption trends--what people purchase more of, and what they suddenly stop buying--reveal a lot about what's happening in U.S. culture. Here are four products experiencing a recent...

By Brad Tuttle March 24, 2016

Why McDonald's Is Loving the Creepy New Mascot Everybody's Bashing

McDonald's doesn't seem to mind that the masses have taken to Twitter to bash the new mascot, Happy, as creepy, even terrifying. The social media reaction probably makes McDonald's, well, pretty happy. The introduction of...

By Brad Tuttle May 23, 2014

This is the Worst Weekend for Road Trips

Road rage, clogged highways, traffic tickets, oh my! Is it too late to cancel your Memorial Day weekend road trip? Memorial Day weekend is here, and naturally, you want to hit the road to celebrate....

By Brad Tuttle May 22, 2014

Only Suckers Abide by Food Expiration Dates

Date labels on food were created with consumer safety in mind. But some of the labels result in confusion—and tons of perfectly safe food tossed out for no good reason. We hear regularly that Americans...

By Brad Tuttle May 16, 2014

The Incredibly Simple Way to Get Drivers to Buy Fuel Efficient Cars

The secret lies in making it crystal clear how much they'll save in gas costs over the long haul. In every car dealership, a new vehicle for sale is required to have an EPA car...

By Brad Tuttle May 16, 2014

Most People Say They Could Get Rid of Tons of Stuff and Still Be Happy

Deep in your heart of hearts, you probably know you could unload the majority of your possessions without getting too upset. Could you get rid of most of your stuff and still be happy? The...

By Brad Tuttle May 13, 2014

Free Cone Day, Free Ice Cream at Haagen-Dazs Tuesday May 13

Free Cone Day is back at Haagen-Dazs, with free scoops being dished out at hundreds of shops starting at 4 p.m. today. Haagen-Dazs is celebrating Free Cone Day on Tuesday, May 13, when no fewer...

By Brad Tuttle May 13, 2014

One of Life's Annoying Regular Expenses Is Getting Cheaper

Prices are on the rise for everything from meat to limes, from rent to Netflix. But one of life's commonplace expenses is surprisingly on the decline. According to AAA, the average cost of owning and...

By Brad Tuttle May 12, 2014

6 Mother's Day Factoids to Show You're Not a Horrible, Ungrateful Son or Daughter

In advance of your Mother's Day plans (or lack thereof) not going over well today, here's some ammunition for making the case that you—and your mom—could have done a lot worse. Moms get more love...

By Brad Tuttle May 11, 2014

3 Next-Gen Plug-In Cars That Could be Game Changers

The biggest complaints about electric cars are that they're too expensive or have limited driving range, or that don't have enough space for hauling gear or a family. In one way or another, all of...

By Brad Tuttle May 8, 2014

Airline Relaunches Brand to Tell Passengers Not to Expect Much

After routinely getting bashed in consumer surveys, Spirit Airlines is overhauling its brand to better explain its prices and policies. The gist is that travelers should lower their expectations. Spirit Airlines refers to itself as...

By Brad Tuttle May 7, 2014

Between Airline Fees and Travelers, Bags are a Battlefield

The Department of Transportation reported that U.S. airline companies brought in $3.35 billion in baggage fees last year, yet that healthy revenue stream has continued to drop as travelers have gotten better at figuring out ways to avoid paying baggage fees

By Brad Tuttle May 6, 2014

Better Fuel Efficiency Is Hurting the Most Efficient Cars of All

Why aren't sales higher for electric vehicles and hybrid plug-ins? A big reason has to do with the technology that EVs are supposed to replace, the internal combustion engine. Last year, Nissan Leaf sales more...

By Brad Tuttle May 5, 2014

Could It Be? Gas Prices May Have Already Peaked for 2014

We're still weeks away from Memorial Day and the peak travel days of summer. But it looks like gas prices mercifully won't go much higher in 2014. The commonly held theory is that gas prices...

By Brad Tuttle May 2, 2014

Grab That Apartment Before the Rent Spikes

In strong-growth markets like Charlotte, landlords are adopting dynamic pricing strategies similar to the airlines and Amazon.com—meaning the asking rent price for apartments can change by hundreds of dollars in the blink of an eye....

By Brad Tuttle April 30, 2014

Fastest-Growing Alcoholic Beverage Category? It's Not Craft Beer

Craft beer's growth in the U.S. has been amazing, rising from 11.5 million barrels brewed in 2011 to over 15 million barrels in 2013. Over that same time span, however, production of another traditional American...

By Brad Tuttle April 30, 2014

As Hated Airline Fees Spread, the Original Fee-Crazed Carrier Changes Course

Frontier Airlines is following the low-fare, fee-heavy "charge for everything" lead set by Spirit Airlines. Is it inevitable more airlines will do the same? On Monday, Denver-based Frontier Airlines announced that it would start charging...

By Brad Tuttle April 29, 2014

Favorite Summer Toy of the Rich Is Getting Downsized

Is it safe to go back in the water, so to speak, of boat ownership? Boat sellers are attempting to win over cautious consumers with cheaper, smaller models. There are plenty of phrases about boat...

By Brad Tuttle April 29, 2014

Free Pretzels! Hot Giveaway on Saturday to Celebrate National Pretzel Day

There's still more than a month's wait until the arrival of Free Donut Day. So for now the free pretzels served up hot and salty on Saturday will have to suffice. National Pretzel Day might...

By Brad Tuttle April 26, 2014

6 Insulting Terms for Adults Who Live With Their Parents

More often than not, the phrases coined to describe the rising ranks of grown adults living with their parents are subtle backhanded insults. And sometimes the insults aren't subtle at all. Here are a handful...

By Brad Tuttle April 23, 2014

Brace Yourself for a Flood of Cheap, Used Cars

The number of off-lease used cars for sale is expected to jump to 2.5 million next year as new vehicle leases have picked up after a drop during the Great Recession and cars are now lasting longer

By Brad Tuttle April 21, 2014

Doh! Government Proposal Could Make Beer Prices Soar

There's a lot to hate about changes proposed by the FDA, which could push prices higher not only for beer, but for milk and meat as well. The new regulations are being bashed as wasteful...

By Brad Tuttle April 21, 2014

Big Comeback Planned for the All-American Drive-in Burger Joint

The once-ubiquitous drive-in restaurant--you know, the kind with rollerskating waitresses--will be seen again very soon in all parts of the country, even in states where you wouldn't want to eat outside for much of the...

By Brad Tuttle April 18, 2014

Here Comes the Next Big Push to Get Drivers to Buy Electric Cars

Everybody understands that one big upside of owning an electric car is that you'll never have to spend a penny on gasoline. Now, you won't have to pay for the electricity needed to charge the...

By Brad Tuttle April 18, 2014

Here's Target's Plan to Take on Amazon

For the sake of convenience, low prices, or both, shoppers who used to routinely pick up household items at Target have slowly taken their business over to Amazon. Target wants its customers back in a...

By Brad Tuttle April 17, 2014

Fast Food Favorites Cook Up a Breakfast War

It's not just Taco Bell and McDonald's who are duking it out to win over America's early diners. Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Jack in the Box, Hardee's and Carl's Jr. have all stepped up to the plate recently with new marketing campaigns or menu items

By Brad Tuttle April 17, 2014

Ski Resorts Want You to Pay for Next Season's Skiing Right Now

Resorts are trying to get skiers locked in as loyal guests next season—and simultaneously keep them away from competitor mountains—with major deals for early-bird purchases. America's biggest ski resorts are at it again. For a...

By Brad Tuttle April 16, 2014

For an Extra $35 You Can Stay Inside Disney After the Park Closes and Drink

For an extra $35, Disney World guests get to snack on "cultural fare" and toss back a shot of tequila inside EPCOT—after the park has officially closed. Walt Disney World in Orlando just introduced a...

By Brad Tuttle April 16, 2014

Are Taxes Fair? If You Answer Yes, You're Probably Poor

When you're not earning much money—and therefore, you don't have much income to be taxed—you're more likely to think that the federal government takes in just the right amount of money in income taxes. That's...

By Brad Tuttle April 15, 2014

Your Grilling Season Budget Just Went Up in Smoke

It's finally the time of year to break out the barbecue and cook outdoors. Now if only you could afford some steaks to toss on the grill. This shouldn't be coming as a surprise. Beef...

By Brad Tuttle April 14, 2014

How a Proposed 'Transparent' Law Would Blatantly Mislead Consumers

The new bill is strongly supported by the airline industry. That alone gives a pretty good indication it's a bad deal for travelers. Last month, the Transparent Airfares Act of 2014 was introduced in the...

By Brad Tuttle April 11, 2014

Social Media Is Resurrecting Chain Restaurant Menu Items

Changing the world, a few hundred calories at a time! Olive Garden customers have spoken, and the struggling casual dining chain, understandably concerned about losing some of its most loyal patrons, has listened. A few...

By Brad Tuttle April 11, 2014

It's High Time to Mock Pretentious, Pricey Vodka, Says Cheaper Vodka Brand

Smirnoff has launched a "cut the velvet rope" marketing campaign, openly mocking high-end bottle service at clubs and the trend of pretentious overpriced artisan vodkas. It's an obviously self-serving idea from a mass-market vodka brand...

By Brad Tuttle April 11, 2014

Football Fans Will See Spike in Prices for NFL Gear

Nike, the official brand for NFL team uniforms, is increasing the prices for its higher-end jerseys. Fans will have to hand over $150 for a "Limited" jersey and $295 for an “Elite” jersey. Nike had no comment as to why prices went up

By Brad Tuttle April 10, 2014

Beloved Little Car Amazingly Gets Smaller and Roomier at Same Time

The new version of the subcompact Honda Fit, hitting the market next week, is a little shorter than its predecessor. Somehow, though, there's more space inside for passengers, including nearly five extra inches of legroom...

By Brad Tuttle April 10, 2014

Why La Quinta Is Not Just Another Cheap Motel Brand

La Quinta, the hotel company undergoing an IPO of its stock this week, is a limited-service brand favored by travelers on tight budgets. At some properties, rooms start under $50 a night. But La Quinta...

By Brad Tuttle April 9, 2014

Car Dealers Are Even Happier Than You That Spring Weather Is Here

Car sales ended March on a hot streak, and an even bigger period for automakers and car dealers is upon us. The year got off to an awful start for the auto industry, with two-plus...

By Brad Tuttle April 8, 2014

Sports TV Broadcasting Hits New Highs … in Annoying Fans

Lately, many sports fans who have tried to watch the Winter Olympics, or NCAA Final Four basketball, or the Atlanta Braves, or the Los Angeles Dodgers have been frustrated for a very basic reason. They...

By Brad Tuttle April 8, 2014

Here's How Many Students Could Save $50,000 on College—But Aren't

More colleges are allowing students to finish up their four-year degrees in just three years. But only a tiny percentage of students are taking advantage. In 2012, Wesleyan University, an elite private college in Connecticut,...

By Brad Tuttle April 7, 2014

Your City Could Pay for Car Damage Caused by Potholes. But It Probably Won’t

It’s common to hear that if your car is damaged due to a pothole, you should file a claim to get the locality responsible for the road to cover the expenses. Good luck with that....

By Brad Tuttle April 4, 2014

Gun Super Center Decides It’s Smart to Sell More Than Just Guns

Maybe it’s unwise to take a store the size of a typical Best Buy and stock it almost exclusively with guns and ammunition. Last spring, Minnesota-based outdoor gear retailer Gander Mountain launched a large expansion...

By Brad Tuttle April 4, 2014

So Far, Online Gambling Revenues Have Been Pathetic

State budget makers and gaming interests have drastically, laughably overestimated the amount of money that would be generated with the advent of legalized online gambling, especially in New Jersey. In March 2013, New Jersey officials...

By Brad Tuttle April 3, 2014

Why That Creepy Character in the Cereal Aisle Is Eyeing Your Child

If your child begs, pleads, and throws a hissy fit to get you to buy the sugary cereal featuring a cartoon mascot on the box, all is going according to plan. It’s fairly common knowledge...

By Brad Tuttle April 2, 2014

The Trend Miller and Budweiser May Want to Start Worrying About

Are you tempted to taste Hell? In the mood for a Hooker? Or perhaps it’s time to try Zevia? The latter may sound like a mood-enhancing drug, but it’s not. Neither are the others—not exactly,...

By Brad Tuttle April 1, 2014

Peak Pizza Is Here: American Appetite for Pizza Cools Off

Pizza may have peaked. Pizza consumption in the U.S. has increased year after year, but forecasts indicate that we may not be able to stomach much more. Americans eat an astonishing amount of pizza. That’s...

By Brad Tuttle March 31, 2014

These March Madness Tickets Are Going for a Tiny Fraction of What They Should

College students can buy tickets for this weekend's NCAA March Madness Final Four in Arlington, Texas, for just $40 apiece, a tiny fraction of the average seat price. Will students turn around and flip their...

By Brad Tuttle March 31, 2014

The Resurgence of Cheap Old-School Mass Market Beer

Beer drinkers lost interest in one old-school pale lager, until the brew started being sold in cans from the 1970s. An endorsement from Ron Burgundy probably helped too. The recent evolution of alcoholic beverage preferences...

By Brad Tuttle March 29, 2014

There's a Good Chance You Dumped Your Supermarket Last Year

Long waits, dirty stores, and, most importantly, high prices are among the reasons so many consumers are breaking up with their once-steady supermarkets. In a recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports, one-third of subscribers said...

By Brad Tuttle March 28, 2014

Your Local Dinky Mom and Pop Liquor Shop Is in Major Trouble

Total Wine & More, a rapidly expanding megastore chain with cheap prices, huge selection, and a reputation as "Toys R Us for adults," understandably has mom-and-pop liquor shop owners feeling like they could use a...

By Brad Tuttle March 27, 2014

A Recent History of Campaigns to Get Couples to Do the Nasty

The new "Do It for Denmark" campaign is just what it sounds like: an initiative encouraging couples to have sex—and make babies—for the good of the country. The campaign, reminiscent of a cheesy song from...

By Brad Tuttle March 27, 2014