Business Daily

We're in Santa’s grotto – sort of - a Chinese city that some call the Christmas capital of the world. With 75,000 traders, across 50,000 stores, Yiwu offers the world’s largest wholesale market across a labyrinth of arcades. But at a time of growing trade tensions with the US, who’s actually buying the tinsel this year? If you'd like to send us an email, our address is [email protected]: Ed Butler Producer: David Cann Additional production: Victoriya Holland(Picture: Crowds of people walking through Yiwu wholesale market. Credit: BBC/Wang Xiqing)

We look at what makes a great Christmas marketing campaign. From a budget-friendly advert based around coffee cups, to multi-million dollar epic commercials featuring Hollywood A-list celebrities.We unwrap the secrets behind the world's most iconic festive advertising.If you'd like to get in touch with the programme, our email address is [email protected] and produced by Elizabeth Hotson(Picture: A woman and a man wearing Santa hats, sitting in front of a TV with Christmas tree, candles and food. Credit: Getty Images)

Festive spending habits are changing, with many, especially younger shoppers, predicted to cut back.We look at what’s driving the shift, the impact on retail, and how artificial intelligence is starting to shape the way shoppers choose gifts and search for lower prices.Plus - we hear from members of the World Service audience on what their holiday spending priorities are. You can get in touch with the programme - our email address is [email protected]: Megan Lawton Producer: Sam Gruet(Picture: Nelmar Cornes, a stationary enthusiast and the owner of the Toronto Pen Shoppe in Toronto, Canada.)

As millions of households around the world put up their Christmas trees, we hear from the founder and CEO of US-based company Balsam Hill - one of the world’s biggest artificial Christmas tree retailers. Mac Harman tells us about his journey as an entrepreneur, how he's addressing sustainability concerns, and how the company's managing the pressures of tariffs.If you'd like to contact the programme, our email address is [email protected]: Ed Butler Producer: David CannCorrection, 22 December 2025: This episode, which first aired on 19 December, has been amended to include more detail and to clarify the sourcing of the materials used in the manufacture of Balsam Hill's trees. (Picture: Mac Harman. Credit: Balsam Hill)

You might be familiar with the term "ghosting" when it comes to dating. One minute you’re talking to someone, the next they disappear.The same thing is now happening in the job market, with employers not responding to candidates or posting roles that never existed.It’s a problem thought to affect millions.In this programme, we hear why "ghost jobs" have become so common, look at the new rules meant to curb the practice, and hear directly from job seekers about how it makes them feel.You can email us - our address is [email protected]: Megan Lawton Producer: Sam Gruet(Picture: Woman applying for a job online. Credit: Getty Images)