consumer trends

Small Retailers See Stronger Holiday Sales

Economic concerns linger, but mom-and-pop retailers say they finally expect some cheer this season.Nearly half are more optimistic about holiday sales vs. last year, according to a new survey of 792 small retailers by online... more »

Hundreds of Billions Expected in Christmas Retail Despite Economy

Shreveport, LA - It's a cash-straped holiday season — but Americans will still spend billions on the Christmas spirit this year.The National Retail Federation's Holiday Sales Forecast predicts $465 billion in retail sales for November... more »

Predictions up for Holiday Shopping Season, Good News for Retailers

As the Halloween decorations are stowed and the candy shelves cleared of all that orange-and-black packaging, retailers' fancy turns to the biggest season of the year: Christmas.Forecasters are predicting better-than gross domestic product results for... more »

More Stores, People Take Advantage of Layaway

Tulsa, OK - Debt is a four-letter word in more ways than one.So was layaway, once upon a time - or, at least, it wasn't one used loudly.Growing up years ago, if you didn't have... more »

NRF: 60 percent of Shoppers are Buying Themselves Gifts this Holiday

Armed with savvy shopping skills and a renewed focus on value, consumers this holiday season will shop at a variety of locations and channels as they scope out ways to get the best bang for... more »

Augusta-Area Retail Sector Slowly Recovering From Recession

Augusta, GA - Americans may be complaining about the economy, but it doesn't seem to be keeping Augusta shoppers from frequenting local stores.Amy Epps, the owner of The Swank Co. in Surrey Center, said business... more »

Uptick in Small Business Optimism First in Six Months

Chicago, IL - Open boxes of Halloween and holiday decorations are strewn on the counters and floors at the Confection Connection Too!, 316 S. Dearborn St., as owner Gail Goodman prepares for the kickoff to... more »

Forecasts Point to Modest Holiday Growth

New York - Retailers just got an early Christmas gift: Americans are expected to spend more than they did last year during the holidays. Retail revenue in November and December is expected to be up... more »