consumer spending

Puppy love

Mini chocolate cupcakes. Cinnamon rolls. Peanut butter cups.But the baked goods sitting on the counter of the Pooch Barkery in downtown Ayer aren't meant for the human palate.If you bite into those yogurt-covered, sprinkled pretzels,... more »

A not-so-simple gift

They don't offend. They're easy to pick out. And people love to get them.Gift cards have mushroomed into the most requested holiday gift by consumers. Nearly 55 percent of people want to receive a gift... more »

Retailers expect a merry – but frugal – Christmas this year

Holiday shopping is predicted to increase in the Tucson area with more dollars spent than last year despite the free-falling economy.National holiday shopping forecasts call for increases in the 1 percent to 2 percent range,... more »

Fido first: Pet boutiques bucking trend

The economy hasn't gone to the dogs yet — or at least not to Fido's kibble.Despite a sagging stock market and signs of belt-tightening throughout the retail sector, Boston's four-legged friends are still getting their... more »

Shoppers Say Word of Mouth is Biggest Influence on Purchase of Electronics, Apparel Items

Washington, November 21, 2008 – When it comes to buying apparel and electronics, shoppers are most interested in hearing from their peers about products, retailers and past shopping experiences. In a recent survey, conducted for... more »

Poll: Holiday gift cards losing their allure

The ever-popular gift card - a seemingly surefire present that leaves the shopping and decision-making to the recipient - has lost some of its holiday magic as shoppers cut back on spending and grow more... more »

Retailers can’t wait for Black Friday

Predawn Black Friday shopping? Phhft.Midnight's where it's at this year.Faced with a skittish consumer worried about the economy and still fearing the return of sky-high gas prices, some metro Atlanta malls and standalone retailers aren't... more »

Retailers Feel Pinch of Returns

Shopping at Nordstrom in Miami this month, Maria Kakouris indulged herself with a $200 pair of satin-and-snakeskin pumps. Then came a spasm of buyer's remorse. "Those shoes — they are still in my car with... more »