Last-minute shoppers brighten retailers’ hopes

Shoppers packed the Concord Mall on Sunday, despite discouraging economic realities such as the price of gasoline nearing $3 a gallon and the national mortgage mess that has housing prices in a freefall.On this, the... more »

Independent merchants find ways to stay afloat in tough economic times

New York -- At Jeff Cassels' jewelry store, falling real-estate values and rising gold prices are more than news headlines -- they are contributors to an uncertain holiday season. At Joanie McDonald's clothing store, however,... more »

Men fill the ranks of last-minute shoppers

Robert Anderson is a textbook example of a last-minute shopper.First off, he's a guy. Second, he thrives on imminent deadlines. Third, said the Fletcher Hills resident, the holidays always sneak up on him."I don't even... more »

Retail entrepreneurs open doors in time to capture holiday spending

Waterloo -- The holiday season is celebrated by retailers as the time of year when they go "into the black" and start turning a profit for the year. But the window from mid-November until just... more »

Mercy gift shop to incorporate RFID technology

Rogers - Thanks to the enterprising effort and philanthropic spirit of a group of local college students, Mercy Medical Center will employ some of the latest retail technology at its volunteer-operated gift shop.Three computer-science students... more »

Seasonal outlets go beyond the kiosks

They materialize in vacant storefronts with promises of holiday presents, and just as suddenly they become ghosts of Christmas past.It's becoming more common for seasonal businesses to shun the temporary-looking kiosks at the malls and... more »

Pacific Market Center Hosts Expert-Led Seminars Buzzing With Competitive Business Solutions For the New Year

SEATTLE - Pacific Market Center announces a dynamic group of speakers providing buyers with ideas on everything that is buzzing in the industry during Seattle Market Week - Winter Gift and Home Accessories Show January... more »

New Hook Rug Designs by Homespice Decor

Tucker, Ga. - Homespice Decor, a leading designer and manufacturer of braided, hook and penny rugs and coordinating accessories, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008. The firm continues its tradition of providing some of the... more »

One in Five Men Have Not Started Holiday Shopping, According to NRF

No matter what way you choose to look at it, procrastinators abound this holiday season, but the biggest holiday dawdlers this year are men, according to NRF's 2007 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted... more »

More holiday shoppers say they’ll spend less

New York (Reuters) - More consumers are planning to spend less this holiday season than a year ago, according to a survey released on Tuesday that adds a fresh note of caution to what is... more »