News

Gift-card fraud by employees up sharply, retailers say

New York–Gift cards are just so easy – so easy for dishonest employees to exploit, that is.At the Saks flagship store in Manhattan, a 23-year-old sales clerk was caught recently ringing up $130,000 (U.S.) in... more »

Retailers’ pockets jingling after spirited holiday shopping season

Despite the struggling economy, SouthCoast retailers enjoyed a gift from consumers this season with relatively strong sales. While retail chains have not yet released their end-of-the-year numbers, local stores saw steady business in the days... more »

Millstream gift shop founder retires; store returns to Pioneer Square

Tomorrow is Millstream gift shop's last day in Westlake Center, and it's the last day of work for founder Roger Fredericksen, who is heartened that the new owners are moving the shop back to its... more »

Students learn skills running holiday store

Holyoke - If a customer walked into the Gingerbread Gift Shop and wasn't sure what to buy his or her mother for Christmas, Keanna E. Ortiz was happy to help."I asked them how much they... more »

This holiday season, Web sales are retailers’ biggest gift

Consumers spent a little more than anticipated during the holiday season, according to a report out on Monday, and a significant e-tail threshold may have been crossed on Christmas Day at Amazon, the online bookseller.For... more »

Shoppers hit local stores for after-Christmas sales

With gift cards in hand, many shoppers jammed the parking lot at the Fulton Walmart at 2000 N. Bluff St. on Saturday.A Fulton Walmart spokeswoman said: "I can't believe how much business we have today.... more »

Retailers get a modest gift this holiday season

After a holiday season marked by uncertainty and discounts, early sales figures coming out of the nation's malls, big-box stores and supermarkets showed improvement in a range of retail categories.Total retail sales from Nov. 1... more »

How did the Valley do this Christmas?

Roanoke Rapids — The holiday spirit treated retailers kindly this season. Many stores, which continue to offer seasonal bargains, exceeded expectations despite some early worries. "We had some concerns with Christmas being on a weekend... more »

Retailers talk shop: Many say holiday season was bright spot for year

Dover — Christmas had only just begun when many retailers began aggressive marketing campaigns with promises of deep discounts and extended store hours designed to lengthen the busiest shopping season by another weekend after the... more »

Out-of-work mom turns daughter’s drawings into toys

Denise Garlow clearly recalls the summer day when her 9-year-old daughter brought home a plate from Girl Scouts. On the plate was a transfer drawing of colorful, mouse-like creatures with large saucer ears and big... more »