News

Sparklehearts Introduces Girl-Friendly Line of Natural Beauty Products

Los Angeles, CA — Most girls would wince in disgust if you told them their favorite body wash contained a chemical that is produced by boiling bugs (called carmine.) And, most parents would wince in... more »

Downtown New Bedford Inc. announces new cooperative coupon campaign

New Bedford, MA — A new coupon campaign to promote shopping downtown is being launched today as retailers work together to promote a SHOP DNB! theme by offering customers an easy way to save $5... more »

Rumors about retailers can be very bad news for their health

Word started trickling out in October, warning that gift cards could be worthless if stores were to go bankrupt. Within a month, an ominous Internet claim said chains including Ann Taylor and Zales would close... more »

Good Friday turns into good retail day

Shoppers turned out en masse on Good Friday, despite predictions that consumers would spend less on Easter shopping this year.The National Retail Federation projected Americans would spend an average of about $116 on Easter items... more »

Malls entice mom-and-pop stores

Kingston, MA — Shopping malls are laying out the welcome mat for mom-and-pop merchants to fill storefronts in the recession. Many of Massachusetts' marquee shopping malls are aggressively recruiting independently-owned stores to occupy spaces left... more »

It’s raining freebies at restaurants

Got a sweet tooth for an afternoon treat, a hankering for barbecue ribs or a craving for caffeine?In the next few weeks, metro Atlanta consumers can get a tasting of all of these for free,... more »

Gift the gift of handmade chalkware pieces

Since the 18th century, chalkware pieces typically were figurines made out of gypsum and were considered to be serious art pieces. Today, seasonal hand-cast chalkware collections are made using chocolate or candy molds, such as... more »

Retail 3.0: Keeping customers in an economic downturn

Earlier this week, I wrote about a study that said consumers are downshifting their shopping habits during the current recession, and that their frugality might linger after the economic recovery. So what are retailers doing... more »

American Craft Council Announces 2009 College of Fellows Inductees and Gold Medal Recipient

New York, NY – The American Craft Council is pleased to announce the induction of seven individuals into its College of Fellows: Adela Akers, Glenda Arentzen, Tony Hepburn, Gyongy Laky, Wendy Marauyama, Mary Ann "Toots"... more »

Jean Stevenson Nail and Gift Shop celebrates silver anniversary

West Akron, OH — Twenty-five years in business has brought some changes to the Jean Stevenson Nail and Gift Shop, but not to her family of customers. Shop owner Jean Stevenson opened her shop as... more »