consumer trends

Rising costs throttling small businesses

Pittsburgh - Small business is risky business these days. Costs are rising, profits are shrinking and the ability of the big guys to keep prices relatively lower is drawing away customers. Things are so bad... more »

Closing Up Shop

Cherry Creek — With the rap of the auctioneer's gavel on Saturday morning, Jerry and Elaine Bentham will say goodbye to the business they have owned and operated for 39 years, as the Cherry Creek... more »

Retailers expected to post scant May sales

Chicago - US retailers are expected to post lackluster May sales this week, as consumers spent tax rebate checks on gas and food or used them to reduce debt, rather than buying discretionary items like... more »

National Survey Shows Most Dads Want Electronics for Father’s Day; Help Dad Find Cheaper Gas with Next Generation with GPS

Richmond, VA --Just in time for Father's Day, a new national survey shows 52 percent of dads prefer an electronics gift for their big day, easily outnumbering dads who want clothing (16 percent), sports gear... more »

Employment for teenagers hits lowest point in decades

Levi Wright's biggest job this summer has been finding a summer job. Wright, a 17-year-old senior from Metro Boulevard Alternative High School, has been applying for work for more than a month without success. Applications... more »

Gray Drug store thriving in community

Gray - It has already been half a year since Dottie Walker moved her Gray Drug Co. to a much larger building she had built on Bill Conn Parkway, but there are still times when... more »

Finding the Right Price for Your Retail Products

You often see or hear retailers' advertisements that promise you "quality merchandise at a fair price." Well, just what is a "fair price?" As you enter the retailing arena, you will soon learn that there... more »

Continuing Growth: Edgewater Gifts & Gallery

Edgewater Gifts & Gallery, located at 1733 Water Street, has been selling handcrafted items to both local people and tourists since November, 2002. Owner, Michelle Cadogan's involvement in the arts, in particularly theatre and music,... more »