consumer trends

Shades of Spring 2015: Scuba Blue

From our Shades of Spring 2015, here is a look at... Scuba Blue As the color of both sea and sky, this exhilarating turquoise makes you feel as though you’ve just arrived in a tropical... more »

Shades of Spring 2015: Tangerine

From our Shades of Spring 2015, here is a look at... Tangerine Invigorating without being overwhelming, this shade is as sweet and tasty as the fruit for which it is named. It is always energizing... more »

Retail spending on the rise in March

An increase in consumer spending has come with the arrival of spring, according to a Reuters article published on Tuesday, April 14.Lucia Mutikani of Reuters reports retail sales rose 0.9 percent in March, breaking a... more »

A Little Bit of Everything

Avon Park, FL - When you enter The Daisy Girl Shop in downtown Avon Park, owner Dennis Mungall greets you, inquiring how you’d like your coffee. “I also have tea and hot chocolate,” he continues,... more »

Trending Up for Winter 2015

Editor-in-Chief Julie McCallum shares her favorites across all gift categories. (more…) more »

Retail Therapy: Local Businesses Have High Hopes for 2015

Fayetteville, NC - We're still off-the-Skibo-track this week, checking in with three more locally owned businesses about their experiences in 2014 and outlook for 2015.Without further ado:The business picture was brighter in 2014 at Dogwood... more »

Small-business Q&A: Personal Touch Can Draw Repeat Customers

Q: I own a women's clothing and accessories boutique. We'll be participating in Small Business Saturday again this year. Last year my sales that day were higher than normal, but didn't really translate into many... more »

Hannah! and Her Shop: Lessons from a Career Retailer

Princeton, NJ - Despite what they say, customer service is alive and well.You just might have to go out of your way to find it sometimes.But if you venture down the row of unique shops... more »