U.S. 2009 holiday sales seen up 1-2 pct – ICSC

San Francisco, CA - The 2009 U.S. holiday season is likely to be "a lot better" than last year, with sales rising about 1 percent to 2 percent, according to research from the International Council... more »

Confidence, optimism grow in pockets of U.S. as firms rehire

Paris, Ill. — Inside the Simonton Windows factory here, some workers who are back on the job after being laid off for months believe they are proof that the darkest days of the recession are... more »

Clinton pet store fun for humans too

Clinton Town — Finally, a pet store that's as much fun for humans as it is for the dogs and cats.Patty Ratner was an accountant before she opened Fur Majesty, but she said she was... more »

Grand Rapids gallery owners thrilled by attention from ArtPrize

The surge of customers caught Carol Collins by surprise last Sunday. "I just came in to move things around before ArtPrize started," said Collins whose gallery showcases the work of her painter husband Paul Collins.She... more »

Natural Products Expo East showcases tomorrow’s healthy trends

Boulder, CO — More than 21,000 industry members, including retailers, pioneers and entrepreneurs, as well as journalists, explored more than 1,500 booths to find the leading natural products of tomorrow at Natural Products Expo East/Organic... more »

Mud Pie Expands its Popular Initial Baby Collection

Tucker, Ga. -- Mud Pie, an award-winning international gift company that offers products reflecting current trends and popular design, has expanded its popular Initial Baby collection to include more than 25 fashionable personalized children's items.... more »

Kerusso Introduces African-American Fashion Doll to Popular God’s Girlz List

Berryville, Ark. – Kerusso, the leading producer of Christian-themed apparel and figures in the United States, has introduced its first African-American 12-inch fashion doll. Named "Imani," which means "faith," the doll joins Kerusso's best-selling God's... more »

Czech Village businesses struggle to recover

Cedar Rapids, Iowa - Shops in the Czech Village that were washed away in last year's floods have rebuilt, but owners say the historic district is far from being back in business.Bob Schaffer, owner of... more »

Shop owner gives proceeds to needy

Peg Rubley started crafting 15 years ago. She has a fondness for seashells and many of the items she makes by hand are decorated with them.This month she's opening a small gift shop, Shell We... more »

Irish shop has cottage feel

Brick — When you enter the front door of the Irish Peddler, you are likely to be greeted by its affable owner, the lilting music of songstress Megan Callahan playing on a CD player, and... more »