Whether At Gap, Kohl’s Or Nordstrom, Women Cut Back First

The Commerce Department says consumer spending, once tweaked to take out the effect of inflation, was flat in January--just as it was in December.And, while this probably won't come as news to the many apparel... more »

St. Patrick’s Day Spending Dips as Holiday Falls During Holy Week

Washington - The luck of the Irish has not been extended to St. Patrick's Day this year as a calendar shift is likely to hamper spending. According to the National Retail Federation's 2008 St. Patrick's... more »

Retailers tighten rules on returns

No, you're not imagining it: In the past two holiday seasons, retailers have imposed stricter return policies. Among those surveyed by the National Retail Federation, about 40 percent said they had tightened the rules covering... more »

Home Decor Store Opens on Eagle Street

North Adams - There's one word patrons to the new A & M Home Decor have been using since the store had its soft opening a week ago."I keep hearing the word 'unique,' which is... more »

Retailer has to shift gears

Greendale - After more than a decade of playing in the big leagues of mall retail, Craig Runkel is trying to stay in business by becoming a little guy.Runkel owns Runkel Bros. American Garage, a... more »

E-commerce sales rise 19% last year in U.S.

Online retail sales continued to far outpace overall retail sales in the U.S. last year, the U.S. Department of Commerce reports. Retail e-commerce sales grew 19% to $136.4 billion, up from $114.62 billion in 2006,... more »

museums&MORE Spring 2008

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For cool gifts, visit museum shops inside-the-perimeter

T-shirts, mugs and books are staples of museum shops, but you can find so much more.These 10 shops inside the Perimeter offer unexpectedly wacky, fun or elegant items for gift-giving — or for yourself.High Museum... more »

Chinatown shop puts ‘Old World’ into ours

To speak with Chinatown retailers Michael Bennett and Daniel Poulin is to learn in equal measure about commerce and community, "them" and "us."On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the launch of their Peking... more »

Disabled workers find comfort with job

Schenectady — A mental disability can be the loneliest place of all.It can be so isolating that Emily Friedman looks forward to just exchanging casual hellos."Being around people is really a nice thing," she said.... more »