Artisans forge new home

West Whiteland — A business built on the craftsmanship of hand-forged metals will be setting up operations in the newly renovated historic barn in Main Street at Exton.Wendell August, whose artisans create jewelry, plates, bowls... more »

Village stores struggling

By 2010, the Fairport village location of Skip's Meat Market, a family owned chain offering 25 varieties of sausage and chicken and other meats, may become an empty storefront.Owner Donna Pink doesn't plan to renew... more »

Even at Megastores, Hagglers Find No Price Is Set in Stone

San Francisco — Shoppers are discovering an upside to the down economy. They are getting price breaks by reviving an age-old retail strategy: haggling.A bargaining culture once confined largely to car showrooms and jewelry stores... more »

Lancaster’s historic government square bustles with business activity

Lancaster, Wis. -- When Lancaster Mayor Jerry Wehrle wants out of his wife Judy's doghouse, he knows where to go."This shop gets a lot of guys out of hot water," said Wehrle, referring to Country... more »

Economies: discretionary spending crisis looms

When money gets short, quiet pursuits are the first things to go.It would be interesting to hear what psychologists say about why the first major retail casualty of the USA's looming financial crisis has been... more »

Umbrella in a bag ready for weather

Umbag!?! Yes, Umbag!! Never be caught in the rain without your umbrella again. The umbag is a unique and fun way to carry your umbrella. Sold with a full-size manual umbrella, the umbag weighs less... more »

From Highgrove to High Street and one’s very own corner shop

Wednesday morning in the ancient Cotswold market town of Tetbury. Outside the Snooty Fox hotel a man is pinning up the lunch menu. Fluffy week-old chicks - a surprisingly rural Easter display in the window... more »

Shop Has Scarlet Sparkle

Plant City - The Red Hat Society, a worldwide organization about to mark its 10th anniversary, has inspired a Plant City shop catering to members' needs.Tanya Killebrew opened the Bodacious Red Hat Shop in the... more »

New owner of basket shop to highlight local wines, beers

The new owner of the Frederick Basket Co. is increasing the focus on local wines and beers, while continuing the products that has made the store successful.Vicki Moore said 15 years ago she made a... more »

Point-of-Sale Software: Even Smallest Shops Benefit

Just because you run a tiny high-touch, small-town business doesn't mean you have to forego the benefits of automation. Some people would even argue it's all the more reason for automating to the hilt.Kimberly Kennedy,... more »