I booked free personal-styling appointments at Nordstrom and Saks. I can't believe how much I learned — and how much fun they were.

Tech Insider
On the left, Lara takes a photo of herself in the Nordstrom fitting room wearing a burnt-orange cowl-neck bodysuit and white pants. On the right, Lara takes a photo of herself wearing a red shirt and a black blazer with buttons.
I tried free in-store personal-styling appointments at Nordstrom and Saks.

Lara Walsh

Amazon Outlet is the retailer's best-kept secret. I've saved hundreds of dollars buying name-brand products for over 50% off.

Tech Insider
Photo illustration of a laptop with the Amazon logo.
I've saved hundreds on home furnishings through the outlet, which often offers discounts of more than 50% off retail prices.

Amazon; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez/BI

Rite Aid is closing even more stores in 2024. See if yours is on the list.

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Rite Aid
Rite Aid is planning to close more stores in 2024.

Reuters/Noah Berger

I tried on similar dresses at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. The most expensive one was the most disappointing.

Tech Insider
Chloe wearing three different dresses. On the left, a long white sleeveless dress from Gap. In the middle, a black sleeveless dress from Old Navy. On the right, a white, flowy, sleeveless dress from Banana Republic.
I tried on similar linen-blend dresses from Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic.

Chloe Caldwell

We blind-tested AirPod dupes. Here are the ones we liked

Tech Insider : Technology

AirPod competitors are pouring into the wireless earbud industry, challenging Apple’s seat on the throne. We tried out cheaper AirPod dupes to see how they stack up against the real thing.

Amazon Fresh is trying to remind customers it's not just a fancy returns point

Tech Insider
People lining up outside an Amazon Fresh store in Pasadena, CA
Some Amazon Fresh patrons are using the stores to return things they bought on Amazon.com.

MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

I tried on similar tops at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. I'm done assuming big names with the highest prices have the best products.

Tech Insider
Chloe wearing three different tank tops. On the left, a black square-neck tank from Gap. In the middle, a cream high-neck tank from Banana Republic. On the left, a black square-neck tank from Old Navy.
I tried on similar tops at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy.

Chloe Caldwell

T.J. Maxx is making some employees wear cameras to catch shoplifters

Tech Insider
tj maxx in manhattan
Some store employees at T.J. Maxx have to wear body cameras.

Gabbi Shaw/Business Insider

A Texas HIFI couple made $200,000 last year. Their budget for vacations and restaurants keeps shrinking despite 'making more money than ever.'

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy, Travel
Couple listening to music at a concert
HIFIs — people who are high income, financially insecure — often earn six figures but struggle to afford their growing cost of living. The subject of the story is not pictured.

Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

I accidentally bought a counterfeit backpack on Amazon. Now, I know how to avoid sneaky fake products.

Tech Insider
Woman walking with backpack on
I (not pictured) ordered a bag on Amazon that I thought was from JanSport.

Mireya Acierto/Getty Images

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