The business behind everyday life. Illustrated stories about how everyday US businesses make money and why they can lose it. Full breakdowns on YouTube.
Joined October 2026
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A discount today and points for a later visit are different reasons to open an app.
Our McDonald's episode follows the offer, the receipt and the next visit: youtu.be/6U-IMzKJ6zw
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A tag can invite a comparison without telling you the full story of how the item reached the rack.
Our T.J. Maxx episode follows the tag, the buying decisions and the shopper: youtu.be/rL49AqrarYA
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One store visit can solve an urgent need without covering the whole shopping list.
Our Dollar General episode follows location, assortment and the trade-offs behind a quick stop: youtu.be/gLbWMFatbE8
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The outlet logo looks familiar. But did this particular product ever sit in the regular store?
Our new episode follows outlet-exclusive collections, transferred merchandise and the choices behind the price tag.
Watch: youtu.be/D_VBJA7IRjE
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The showroom helps shape the choice before a mattress reaches the checkout.
Our episode follows what changes when a mattress maker buys a retail chain: youtu.be/ZcVFskIUbxM
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A dining room is one way to serve a meal. A pickup counter creates a different set of decisions.
Follow ordering, preparation and collection in our illustrated restaurant episode: youtu.be/IqSviz2y5n0
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A prescription changes hands at the counter. Payment can follow a different route.
Our pharmacy episode traces the work and the money behind a familiar errand: youtu.be/wKIS-7S5mnw
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The pump and the store share a property, but they have different jobs to do.
Our illustrated gas-station episode follows what brings drivers in and what might bring them through the door: youtu.be/vcqmRM7zV18
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A pawned camera has more than one possible ending. Getting the loan's principal back is different from earning charges or selling the item.
Our fictional story follows those paths: youtu.be/t0nGp5Q9k5k
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An unlimited membership sells access. The business still has to serve each visit.
Follow the visits and the money in our illustrated car-wash example: youtu.be/gqFBPvma0sE
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A discount has two audiences: someone who needed a reason to buy, and someone who would have paid full price.
Our fictional coffee story follows the difference: youtu.be/tbg1fMUBJBk
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A comparison price isn't a receipt for that item's past.
T.J. Maxx says its tags may compare the same or similar products. Our new episode follows the tag, the buying decisions and the shopper's trade-offs.
Watch: youtu.be/rL49AqrarYA
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