News
Valentine’s a sweet time for shops
Vienna - With Valentine's Day approaching, area chocolate shops and florists experienced a jump in sales the past week.Holl's Chocolates prepared thousands of online orders to be shipped this week and sold hundreds more at... more »
From the Heart
Having Valentine's Day fall on a Sunday this year could pose a challenge to shoppers who wait until the last possible minute, but there's still time today to find that perfect gift for their sweetheart.Roses,... more »
Small stores see big vacancies at malls
Queensbury -- When Old Navy left Aviation Mall last month, small-business owner John Myers saw an opportunity. Myers runs a family fun center called Party Palace at the other end of the mall, and with... more »
Winter Doesn’t Freeze U.S. Retail
U.S. consumers didn't let snow or frigid temperatures stop them from shopping in January. And if they couldn't get to the malls, there was always the Internet.Retail sales increased a larger-than-expected 0.5% last month, more... more »
Two Florists Fight Back as Sweet Smell of Success Turns Sour
They came to New York from places a half-world apart: Jorge Calle is from Ecuador and Seung Yoon Park, known as Justin, is from Korea. But they followed similar paths in this city of immigrants,... more »
Mass. governor moves to control small business health care costs
Governor Deval Patrick said that, beginning today, the state insurance commissioner will require health insurance companies to provide advance notice of any rate increases for small businesses and will reject those that he believes are... more »
Floral Affection: Britt flower shop prepares for a love-filled holiday
Valentine's Day not only symbolizes a holiday of love, but also marks one of the busiest times of year for local flower and gift shops.The Flower Cart in Britt is one of many venues that... more »
Cafes get more sidewalk under North Beach plan
Curbside parking spaces in North Beach would be replaced with cafe seating in the latest initiative to rethink how streets are used in San Francisco - making them less focused on cars and more welcoming... more »
Legend lives on at Outpost
Those who call Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach home know the story of the great American Indian, Geronimo, and how he was incarcerated along at Fort Pickens for a time.Thanks to a Pensacola Beach gift... more »
Rooster Tales a haven for leisurely shopping
Valentine cookies tempted anyone who entered the front door recently at Rooster Tales Antiques, Gifts & Collectibles in Ingleside.The new shop in town, located at 3045 Main Street in Ingleside, offers several rooms full of... more »
Shop walls have personality
Bridgetown, Barbados -- Buy something on a trip abroad and chances are you never again reconnect with the merchant who sold you the item. Unless the shopkeeper happens to be Gloria Gaskin, who runs Ann's... more »
Chocolate comeback: Kilwin’s reopens shop in downtown Birmingham
Kilwin's Chocolates and Ice Cream, at 162 N. Old Woodward Ave. in downtown Birmingham, re-opened Feb. 6 under new ownership and management.Linda Luhtanen, who also owns and operates the Kilwin's store in downtown Plymouth, purchased... more »

