Men, who have endured slightly higher unemployment rates than women, have been taking on more of the household shopping, according to a recent report. The trend hasn't boded well for stores: On average, men spend less than women on each trip.
Food prices are on the rise, with the USDA now anticipating increases of 3% to 4% this year. But there are some ways to minimize the damage to your grocery bill. From shopping smarter to avoiding processed foods, learn some tricks to help stretch your food budget.
In this economy, cash-strapped consumers have become more budget conscious and less concerned about appearing cheap. As a result, better-known brands have steadily been losing ground to store-branded food products.
Supermarket chain Kroger boosted sales and turned a profit in its fiscal third quarter, but failed to beat Wall Street earnings estimates and lowered the top of its 2010 earnings forecast range. Shares fell 9.3% on the news to close at $21.63 Thursday.
Walmart has renewed its efforts to purchase Russian supermarket chain Kopeika, following reports that competing Russian grocer X5's interest in acquiring it has waned, according to Reuters.
Record heat in Russia is hurting its wheat crop, sending the grain's price soaring -- potentially affecting future bread and pasta costs. But it doesn't end there. For separate reasons, coffee and cocoa prices are also up. Get ready to pay more for food.
