News

March 7, 2009
Recession responses differ

In trying to ride out the recession, two local businesses have taken opposite tacks. One has built its own building and taken on tenants; the other has consolidated to cut expenses.Scott Mace opened Rock Hill... more »

March 6, 2009
February Retail Sales Stronger Than Expected

Led by Walmart, which posted a strapping 5% sales jump in February, many of the largest retail chains did better than many predicted. Overall, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) says U.S. chain store... more »

March 5, 2009
Cast your beady eyes over crafty sisters’ gift shop

Jewellery company Beadelicious has opened a new gift shop to complement its range of handmade accessories. Keepsakes, the latest venture for sisters Beverley Dawson and Donna Coe, offers cards and gifts for special occasions at... more »

March 5, 2009
One Small Retailer Adjusts to the New Normal

It's a familiar refrain: Customers only buy what's on sale, if they buy at all. That's the case at one small Portland chain of kitchen goods stores, says co-owner John Whisler. So rather than try... more »

March 5, 2009
E-Commerce Site Design: Setting Up Blogs for Business

If you haven't added a blog to your online store, given the state of the economy, now is a good time to consider doing so, as they can be an affordable way to market your... more »

March 5, 2009
Buzz Monitoring = Brand Development

Every day, people are talking online about your company and products. Some discussions are positive; some are negative. The trick is to capitalize on these discussions to build a better brand and link popularity.There are... more »

March 5, 2009
Journals Unlimited Launches New Baby and Kids Collection

Bay City, Michigan — Journals Unlimited, Inc. has added 3 NEW Baby & Kid titles to its extensive line of themed journals in the "Write-it-Down!" series and will be featuring them at the 2009 National... more »

March 4, 2009
Spring fashion follows first lady

As retailers roll out spring catalogs and department stores unveil seasonal merchandise, the trends look oddly familiar, with a distinctive first-lady twist. Floral prints, belted cardigans and one-shoulder chiffon evening gowns. It's Michelle Obama deja... more »

March 4, 2009
Designer Day, Celebrating the Ceramica Magnifica! Exhibition on Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Join Judith S. Schwartz, Ph.D., critic, curator, artist, author and NYU professor, as she moderates a panel exploring the intersection of art, design and craft, as well as the changing image of traditional ceramics.Panelists include:... more »

March 4, 2009
2009 Winter Las Vegas Market Surpasses Expectations; Delivers Optimism

Las Vegas, NV—The home furnishings punditry that had forecast dark days for the start of the year were proved wrong last month when throngs of buyers, manufacturers and designers from around the world packed the... more »

March 4, 2009
Design Abounds at National Stationery Show

White Plains, NY — A design infusion will create a palpable buzz at the May 2009 National Stationery Show®. Enriched with visually stunning bridal-themed vignettes, an expanded Demo Theater showcasing all things paper, a new... more »

March 1, 2009
Local merchants improve our quality of life

With the gluttonous serving of gloom delivered by most media these days, fear and frustration levels are high. As I wandered through the county the past few days, a constant thought was how fortunate we... more »