consumer trends

Gift-card sales rise after falling for two years

The gift card is back. For the first time since the economic downturn began, sales of gift cards are slated to rise this holiday season amid a broader resurgence in consumer spending. That is expected... more »

Retail spending: High street sales frenzy goes on

Hundreds of thousands of shoppers hit the high street yesterday as major stores and retailers had a bumper day in the Christmas sales.Queues formed well before dawn for bank holiday clearances. Customers were looking to... more »

Retail Sales Rebound, Beating Forecasts

Americans are splurging as though it's 2007 again.Shoppers spent more money this holiday season than even before the recession, according to preliminary retail data released on Monday.After a 6 percent free fall in 2008 and... more »

Shoppers take advantage of post-Christmas sales

Santa Cruz -- The crowds rolled back into stores Sunday, the gift cards, Christmas cash and to-be-swapped gifts burning holes in their pockets.Capitola Mall was swamped with shoppers after a one-day lull, and most stores... more »

Local retailers expect heavy traffic

St. George - Local retailers are hoping for strong post-Christmas traffic beginning today as many customers are expected to exchange items, use gift cards and take advantage of aggressive discounts at local shops."It's one of... more »

Sarasota-area retailers say sales are strong

Retailers across the U.S. are experiencing a typical pause after the rush of Black Friday-inspired sales, but many Florida merchants seem to be reveling in a sustained post-recession uptick this season."Our customer traffic has been... more »

Strong kickoff to holiday shopping season

New York -- Retail sales were solidly higher in November, the government reported Tuesday, fueled in part by deep discounting on holiday merchandise.The sales were so strong that the leading retail industry group boosted its... more »

November retail sales signal strong holiday shopping season

New government data released Tuesday bolstered retailers' hopes that consumers are shaking off the recession and pulling out their wallets just in time for the most critical sales months of the year.The Commerce Department reported... more »