consumer trends

Consumer confidence skids more than expected

New York—U.S. consumer confidence fell unexpectedly sharply in June, sinking to its lowest level in more than 16 years, according to a private industry group. The report Tuesday also said the group's reading of consumers'... more »

New owners for The Village Greenery

The Village Greenery is changing hands and customers will have a place to get their flowers and accessories for the garden and pets. The garden store on Route 25 was owned and operated by Caroline... more »

Fendi or fake? New site polices purses

New York - It was the peeling hologram sticker in her new Fendi bag that made Chrys Reyna suspicious. She wasn't able to afford the black leather bag's $1,100 retail price, so when she bought... more »

Salem’s changing retail market: higher-end stores paying higher rents

Salem — It wasn't long ago that A Touch of the Past on Washington Street was a hub of retail activity in the city. A long-standing gift store with eye-catching window displays, it was overseen... more »

Gift shop expands to bridal and apparel boutique

Anissa Andazola and her mother, Molly, moved to the Gila Valley and opened a gift shop in February 2006. A year after opening, they saw a need for formal wear and expanded their shop into... more »

Jeffre Scott answer to quest for aesthetics

What is it with women and beauty items? The older we get and the more a brand promises, the more likely we are to buy it. Haven't we all gone to CVS or Tarjay (that's... more »

Seasonal shop stays busy year-round

Dollar Bay — Some seasonal shops across the Upper Peninsula are forced to close during months when tourism slows. However, one shop in the Keweenaw found a way to supplement tourism profits. Orders are pouring... more »

Gift and toy retailer to open in city

It sells a range of bizarre and amusing items ranging from Henry, a talking gnome, to egg laying rubber chickens. Now expanding gift and toy retailer Hawkin's Bazaar is set to open its first store... more »