consumer trends

The sales economy: Canada now has more workers in stores than factories

Ottawa — For the first time ever, more Canadians are involved in selling products than producing them.A Statistics Canada report Monday showing retail sales rose 5.8 per cent last year contained the added curiosity that... more »

Small business crunched by fuel prices

Fort Worth, Texas - Many U.S. small business owners say soaring fuel costs are eating their profits at a time when the economy is already weak, making them more cautious about expanding or hiring."In theory... more »

Cosmetics firms heed calls for organics

Consumers who are vigilant about what they put into their bodies have proved they also care about what they put on them, making naturals and organics the fastest-growing segment of the cosmetics industry.According to Organic... more »

Retailers hope we spend those rebates

Struggling retailers, crossing their fingers for a stampede of shoppers waving economic stimulus checks that began arriving this month, are likely to be disappointed, according to retail experts and the folks who really know --... more »

Carving piece of customer pie

Gail Watson was surprised and delighted when she received a big apple/cherry pie and a note apologizing for a missed appointment from Nurse Next Door, a Vancouver-based elderly home health care company. While she was... more »

Behind a Start-Up: One Family

Many of the questions I get from readers have to do with money — specifically how people fund a career shift. I try to get these financial details as often as possible, and I recently... more »

Three Questions: They enjoy being the life of a party

Jeff and Carolyne Curley's life can be considered one big party.The husband and wife own Streamers Party and Gift Store in Caldwell. In addition to balloons, party favors, cups, plates and matching accessories, the store... more »

Small Retail: Couple took a leap of faith to buy Christian bookstore

At Episcopal Bookstore in Seattle, religion is fluid, the Bible will always be open to interpretation, and God may be the one or the creator, but is rarely he.As bookkeeper and book buyer, Nancy Marshall... more »