consumer trends

Downtown Woodstock loses boutique to rising costs and a sluggish economy

Williams and Company set up shop three years ago after a retail exodus left downtown Woodstock a virtual ghost town. Within a year the historic Main Street was once again bustling with a number of... more »

Northwoods appeal, family traditions drive start of summer season

While much has been made in the press of record high gas prices, which topped the $4 per gallon mark last week, extra pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters at the pump seemed to do little... more »

Survey says: Gas and groceries more important than Dad

Father's Day will take a back seat this year as sons, daughters, wives and others grapple with high gas and grocery prices, according to a new survey.Consumers plan to spend on average $94.54 on Father's... more »

Johnston’s moves to new home, organic

"At this point, we're just putting it all back together," said Sheri Johnston.She will be reopening Johnston's Home Furnishings and Gift Shop on June 2 in its new home on 3rd Street from its previous... more »

New York’s Original Kazoo Co. stays true to name

Eden, NY — The name of the place says it all: The Original Kazoo Co. And, boy, do its owners mean original.The same belt and pulley machines that stamped and shaped the world's first metal... more »

Ridgeland store offers one-stop gift shopping

Ridgeland — Jodie Badon serves as a one-stop stationery and gift shop for brides, event planners and gift seekers.The boutique offers invitations, stationery and other gifts.Owners Lauren Benner, Kristen Sulser-Guinn and R. Bean Sulser said... more »

Holiday brought visitors, buyers aplenty to Hamptons

Gas prices may be high and consumer confidence plummeting, but that didn't stop visitors from flocking to the East End and spending money this past Memorial Day weekend."We had a phenomenal weekend," said Carolyn Papetti,... more »

Small Businesses on Discount

To all the usual reasons that small businesses are put up for sale — personal problems and personnel squabbles among them — add economic woes this year. But even as for-sale listings rise around the... more »