❗Let's close the gap: We still need your help to raise $40,000 by April 1. Donate now
12/22/17: How do you put a price on nostalgia?
Dec 22, 2017

12/22/17: How do you put a price on nostalgia?

HTML EMBED:
COPY

The past sells. There's no doubt about it. This week we're diving into what that means for consumerism, as the holidays approach, and throughout the year, too. We take a look at how that plays out for independent toy stores, the vintage band T-shirt market and the film and TV industry. Plus, the real cost of fake snow and what determines a fad for the toy industry. Also, Congress's quick moves this week -- the new tax bill and funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program.

Segments From this episode

Shaky CHIP funding puts kids' well-being on the line in Alabama

Dec 22, 2017
Temporary stopgap funding for CHIP was passed, but children's access to health care is still at risk.
“If we don't take care of our children then we're going to have sicker adults," says pediatrician Marsha Raulerson.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Your favorite band T-shirt just got a lot pricier

Dec 22, 2017
Band T-shirts from the '90s are hot right now. Really hot.
courtesy of Patrick Klima/WyCo Vintage

How movies and TV are capitalizing on your holiday cheer

Dec 22, 2017
Are you the type of person who during the holidays wants to watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” or debate which version of “A Christmas Carol” is the best? Or are you lining up to watch the new “Star Wars” movie for a second or third time in theaters? Either way, you’re benefiting from a concerted effort […]

What chefs and restaurateurs have on their holiday menus

Dec 22, 2017
Gusto 54 restaurant group owner Janet Zuccarini and executive chef Evan Funke take the Marketplace Quiz.
Mezzemaniche alla gricia from Felix.
Courtesy Felix

Toy fads: The everlasting holiday trend

Dec 22, 2017
What makes a toy a fad? Lots of demand and a lack of supply.
The egg-shaped Tamagotchi virtual pet is a toy fad from Christmas past.
YOSHIKAZU TSUNO/AFP/Getty Images

The rise of the independent toy store

Dec 22, 2017
Big chains like Toys R Us are having a harder time competing with Amazon than mom-and-pop shops that do their own thing.
“This is a classic toy store — the kind of toys and games you remember from your childhood,” says Christine Johnson, owner of the Miracle Mile Toy Hall in Los Angeles.
Sean McHenry/Marketplace

The past sells. There’s no doubt about it. This week we’re diving into what that means for consumerism, as the holidays approach, and throughout the year, too. We take a look at how that plays out for independent toy stores, the vintage band T-shirt market and the film and TV industry. Plus, the real cost of fake snow and what determines a fad for the toy industry. Also, Congress’s quick moves this week — the new tax bill and funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.