Showing its true colors

Ruskin - As consumers focus on the essentials these days, perhaps the businesses most hurt by the current recession are the local mom-and-pop stores.And this concerns Melanie Morrison, executive director of the Ruskin Chamber of... more »

Mary Beth Babcock Offers Oklahoma at Dwelling Spaces

Mary Beth Babcock owns Dwelling Spaces, a downtown Tulsa boutique that specializes in items made by Oklahomans. The store is just over three years old and has already expanded to a second location. Babcock is... more »

Sisters team up to offer Burkburnett the finer things

In August 2001, sisters Janey Roberts and Pam Baber opened Gabby's, a gift store, in Burkburnett.At the time, they said, retail traffic for such a store was lacking."All we had in Burkburnett was Wal-Mart," Baber... more »

Galleries make Paoli a destination

A funny thing happens to Theresa Abel at Madison cocktail parties. Abel manages Artisan Gallery in Paoli, a 5,000-square-foot gallery showcasing more than 140 artists from around the country. When she tells people what she... more »

Layaway plans making a comeback for holiday shopping season

Nostalgic shoppers are more likely to find something in stores this holiday season that hasn't been widely available for a long time -- layaway programs. Driven by the credit crunch and sagging economy, Toys R... more »

Showing Customer Appreciation During the Holidays

With the holiday season fast approaching, it's essential for small business owners to think about what they can do to make sure their best customers know they are appreciated. While it's always important to let... more »

Signs building that holiday retailing will be brighter

Washington — From Intel Corp. to TJX Cos., the outlook for the U.S. retail holiday season is becoming more optimistic.Intel, the world's biggest chipmaker, cited stronger consumer demand in projecting that its sales in the... more »

Holiday-season retail jobs expected to be flat

Washington — Competition for holiday retail jobs could be fierce this year, according to several recent surveys, as stores cautiously hire in the face of flatlining sales and budget-conscious customers.Stores typically begin bringing on temporary... more »

Cater to the Conscientious Consumer

Article Resources Here's a list of resources you can consult to implement a successful "Buy Local" campaign in your town: American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) Resources for starting your own independent business alliance. Business Alliance... more »

1st Annual Eco-Choice Awards

Most Sensitive Use of MaterialsWINNER: Gold Bar Pillows by Lulan ArtisansThese 100% all-natural silk products are hand-twisted, hand-spun, hand-woven, hand-washed and hand-finished using local natural materials grown withoutpesticides or herbicides. Manufacture of these products is... more »