News

Retailers count on gift cards to shore up their January sales

Gift card redemption is expected to be a key driver of retail sales this month, a welcome relief to stores after signs consumers were tightening their belts post-holiday. But there's conflicting evidence on whether increased... more »

Business is sweet for Mary Claire’s in Hamburg

Mary Claire Fowler knows a thing or two about dessert.For one, her husband's great-grandfather, Joseph Fowler, created chocolate recipes that are still making mouths water more than100 years later.What's more is that her years of... more »

Retailers “satisfied ” with growth in Christmas sales

Ireland - Retailers in Dundalk have been left "satisfied overall" with the amount of sales they achieved over the Christmas season.Many shop owners awaited the season with apprehension, worried that the recession might damage sales,... more »

Homemade cookies and a menagerie

Vernon — Susan Gregory's background as an interior designer is evident in the decor of the new store, Drunken Cherry Cookie Company, in the A&P Plaza on Route 515. Her son Justin Gregory owns the... more »

After a chocolate break, owner refocused

Lifelong chocolate connoisseur Mary Leonard, founder of artisan chocolatier Chocolat Céleste in St. Paul, rarely tires of talking or thinking about chocolate.Yet after nine years without a vacation, she was ready to take a break... more »

Store striking pottery balance

The new owners of the Pottery Store in Chemainus are finding a balance between functional pieces and funky art.Peggy and Brad Grigor purchased the gallery from a collective of artists last year.The store itself has... more »

Meet downtown Columbus’ big cheeses

If you call, the voice on the other end of the phone may answer, "Cheese shop." But a trip to Le Gourmet offers much more than exotic and gourmet cheeses. Soft music and scented candles... more »

Hobby store tackles two markets

Cedar Falls, IA - The combination of products at Hobbies United is enough to tempt any passer-by."A place that's selling cutlery, live bait and lingerie, I gotta stop in and see what they got," said... more »

Small town launches its own stimulus: a local currency

North Fork, CA - Located almost in the dead center of California, North Fork is like a lot of other rural outposts: It's losing businesses and hopes for a turnaround.But there's nothing typical about the... more »

Toy store matches products to customers’ wants

San Angelo, TX - Toy store owners George and Linda Bell's biggest critics really aren't so big.Seeing the smiles and happy faces of the children who visit Specialties Games, Toys & Gifts is the most... more »