News

Longtime Citrus Man Just Keeps ‘Trucking’

Avon Park — During a cool, windy and overcast afternoon in January, most of Steve Maxwell's life lay in front of him as he casually sat back in his rocking chair on the porch of... more »

South Florida businesses feel the recession blues

For a peek inside an economic slowdown, step into downtown Miami's Burrito Express and look for sandwich bags and tinfoil."They're bringing their own lunch," cook John Sierra said as he stood by an idle grill.... more »

Athens gift shop honored in national magazine

Athens, Tenn. — A local gift shop has been honored as one of the 25 best retailers in the nation by a leading industry magazine.The listing in Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine was a surprise... more »

Sales of U of M merchandise soar

The news is out: Tiger Fever is spreading and it's not just contagious on the court.With the whirlwind surrounding the University of Memphis men's basketball team, the devotion to Tiger Blue is helping some local... more »

Artisans forge new home

West Whiteland — A business built on the craftsmanship of hand-forged metals will be setting up operations in the newly renovated historic barn in Main Street at Exton.Wendell August, whose artisans create jewelry, plates, bowls... more »

Village stores struggling

By 2010, the Fairport village location of Skip's Meat Market, a family owned chain offering 25 varieties of sausage and chicken and other meats, may become an empty storefront.Owner Donna Pink doesn't plan to renew... more »

Even at Megastores, Hagglers Find No Price Is Set in Stone

San Francisco — Shoppers are discovering an upside to the down economy. They are getting price breaks by reviving an age-old retail strategy: haggling.A bargaining culture once confined largely to car showrooms and jewelry stores... more »

Lancaster’s historic government square bustles with business activity

Lancaster, Wis. -- When Lancaster Mayor Jerry Wehrle wants out of his wife Judy's doghouse, he knows where to go."This shop gets a lot of guys out of hot water," said Wehrle, referring to Country... more »

Economies: discretionary spending crisis looms

When money gets short, quiet pursuits are the first things to go.It would be interesting to hear what psychologists say about why the first major retail casualty of the USA's looming financial crisis has been... more »

Umbrella in a bag ready for weather

Umbag!?! Yes, Umbag!! Never be caught in the rain without your umbrella again. The umbag is a unique and fun way to carry your umbrella. Sold with a full-size manual umbrella, the umbag weighs less... more »