consumer trends

Small Business News: When Google Is Your Business Partner

There are definite benefits to having the most powerful search engine on Earth as a business model. Since Google's goal is to provide the most relevant, high quality content to Internet users, there isn't much... more »

Confidence At U.S. Small Companies Climbs To Three-Year High, Survey Shows

Confidence among U.S. small companies rose in February to the highest level in three years as hiring and sales expectations increased, a survey showed.The National Federation of Independent Business's optimism index climbed to 94.5, the... more »

Saltbox Signs Announces New Line Of Magnets

Saltbox Signs is proud to introduce their newest home decor innovation: "Lil' Bits" Magnets!Featuring the same classic look and feel as our rustic signs on a wooden magnet.Just like all Saltbox products, their are dozens... more »

Meet Your Merchant: Variety Defines Shop

With such a wide array of gift items, LALOO on Broad Street in Nevada City is not easily categorized.One thing for sure is: All are welcome."People have made the comment that they feel very comfortable... more »

Four Scramble Squares® Puzzles Honored As Dr. Toy’s Best Classic Toys For 2011

REDONDO BEACH, CA b. dazzle, inc. of Redondo Beach, California, has announced that four of its Scramble Squares® 9-piece educational brain teaser puzzles for all ages introduced in 1997 have been honored by The Institute... more »

O’Sweet Pea Improves Historic Location, Expands Offerings

PALESTINE — O'Sweet Pea is a children's boutique and general gift store located in the historic Main Street District of downtown Palestine known for its baby registry and unique gift items.But one of the things... more »

N.Y. Gift Fair Puts Rising Consumer Confidence On Display

Gift-buying trends revealed at last month's New York International Gift Fair underscore consumers' ongoing focus on value, but also a possible upswing in their confidence.Dorothy Belshaw, senior vice president of GLM -- which has owned... more »

Retail Report Could Be Best In Over A Decade

WASHINGTON — February may be the second-least important month of the year for retailers, but indications are that the monthly sales report for that period could be a blowout.Economists polled by MarketWatch expect a 1.4%... more »