consumer trends

Indie stores report better end-of-year sales

Independent stores nationwide seem to have done as well or better than the chain-dominated retail industry during the 2009 holidays, according to a survey issued Thursday.The Institute for Local Self-Reliance in Washington, D.C., said sales... more »

When is a sale the real deal?

If a store offers a dishwasher on sale for most of the year, is it fair to say that the dishwasher is really being sold at a genuine discount?Retailers are now allowed to sell merchandise... more »

Are shops richer or poorer?

Shops should be dropping like flies right now. If the front pages before Christmas were right, there should be a "bloodbath on the high street".But things don't always work out the way headline writers would... more »

It’s in the cards

Evolving from the old paper gift certificate, the gift card has grown to be one of the most popular items for men and women.During the 2009 holiday season, some $87 billion was expected to be... more »

U.S. Retailers Prefer to Keep the Champagne on Ice

On the eve of tomorrow's Commerce Department report on December retail sales, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs released a combined report showing U.S. chain store sales dropping 3% for the... more »

U.S. Retailers Hopeful 2010 Sales Will Spike Higher

Investors are hoping 2010 will be a turnaround year for the U.S. economy and the stock markets. They're hoping stronger consumer spending than we saw in 2009 will prompt the turnaround.Wall Street started the new... more »

Retailers see innovation, speed as keys to growth

New York - Retailers are using a host of strategies in adapting to the downturn -- from improving their products to expanding their e-commerce businesses -- which they hope will better position themselves for a... more »

U.S. retailers face tough road to recovery in ’10

New York - U.S. retailers made big strides in profitability during the 2009 holiday season even if consumers warmed up only slightly to spending, but the sector's key test in 2010 will be to keep... more »