consumer trends

Increasing The Sales Tax In Connecticut

A proposal to increase the state's sales tax could help fill some local coffers, but some say it could end up hurting the state's bottom line. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, as part of his recommended... more »

N.H. Retailers’ Study: No Sales Tax Helps State

While New Hampshire's retail industry has long been thought to be important to state's economy, misconceptions regarding the characteristics of retail jobs have been in abundance, according to a new study showing the state's sales... more »

Stores Can Now Set $10 Minimum On Credit Card Sales

How many times have you walked into a store — particularly a mom and pop shop — and saw some note taped in front of the cash register that says you can't pay with a... more »

State’s February Retail Sales Up About 10 Percent Over 2010

PHOENIX — If sales are any indication of consumer confidence, Arizonans believe that the economy is improving.New figures Friday from the state Department of Revenue show retail sales reported to the agency in February at... more »

The Essential Item For Every Woman’s Wardrobe! The “Morgan” Shrug

Have your ever found yourself needing that perfect little "something" to go over a sundress or a tank top? Whether it's to cover up some of those "problem areas" or to add a splash of... more »

Tax Refunds Help Boost Retail Sales

WASHINGTON - Shoppers snapped up new cars, clothing and electronics in February, pushing retail sales up for the eighth straight month. Retail sales rose 1 percent last month, the Commerce Department recently reported. Part of... more »

Sister Store Owners Celebrate Shop Beautiful’s 75th Anniversary

JOB DESCRIPTION:The sisters co-own both locations of Shop Beautiful, a gift, home accessories and jewelry store in Brookside, 320 W. 63rd St., 816-444-3322, and Hawthorne Plaza, 5001 W. 119th St., Overland Park, 913-345-8887, www.shopbeautiful.comThe store... more »

Unique Items Tucked Away In Out-Of-The-Way Corners Of Lakeforest Mall

Lakeforest Mall in Gaithersburg contains the stores you might expect at any mall in the region: Macy's, Lord & Taylor, Gymboree, The Limited, etc.But nestled among the familiar are several stores that offer items not... more »