consumer trends

Presidents Day Marks Unofficial Start Of Second Retail Economy

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is known the nation over as the official start of the holiday shopping season. And this President's Day also marks a retail landmark, albeit a less-known one: the start... more »

Retail Sales Rebound As Confidence Returns

Retail sales rebounded strongly last month after heavy snowfall hit trading on the high street in December, but industry experts have warned that consumers face "serious headwinds" in the months ahead.A rush by consumers to... more »

Relief For Small Businesses With Big Mortgages

Small businesses facing financial concerns with their commercial mortgages may be eligible for a new federal program that will allow owners to refinance the loans. The two-year temporary program starts Feb. 28 and may be... more »

50 Must-Have Small Business iPhone and iPad Apps

Editor's Note: Last year one of our most popular articles of the year was written by Shara Karasic, who pointed out 10 small-business apps for the iPhone. The response was so enthusiastic, that we invited... more »

New Decor Shop Butter Home Proves That Good Things Come In Small Packages

Butter Home perches on the mezzanine level above Homegrown sandwiches in the rafters of the Melrose Market. Opened in early December 2010, this tiny, 366-square-foot home décor and gift store is a diminutive delight, filled... more »

National Retail Federation Estimates Sales Will Rise 4% In 2011

The National Retail Federation released its 2011 economic forecast Wednesday, projecting that retail industry sales would increase 4% from 2010. The estimate -- which excludes automobiles, gas stations and restaurants -- follows seven consecutive months... more »

ShopArlington Promotes Local Businesses, Offers Savings

Want to save money on meals, shopping and services while supporting Arlington's business community? The ShopArlington retail program is beneficial for both businesses and residents. ShopArlington was developed by staff from the county's Arlington Economic... more »

In Washington, a Historic Retail Strip Is Revived

In recent years Barracks Row, a shopping strip on Eighth Street southeast of the Capitol that had languished since the 1960s, has been transformed building by building and block by block into a popular destination... more »