consumer trends

Showing Customer Appreciation During the Holidays

With the holiday season fast approaching, it's essential for small business owners to think about what they can do to make sure their best customers know they are appreciated. While it's always important to let... more »

Signs building that holiday retailing will be brighter

Washington — From Intel Corp. to TJX Cos., the outlook for the U.S. retail holiday season is becoming more optimistic.Intel, the world's biggest chipmaker, cited stronger consumer demand in projecting that its sales in the... more »

Fall Forecast

Parties in Store Products that make entertaining easy, elegant and ecologically sustainable will continue to promote sales. Display tables set with layered tablecloths, multiple napkins in one ring, and surprising color combinations will work well... more »

Festival helps merchants’ sales

The weekend's Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival had a strong impact on businesses in downtown Appomattox, according to merchants.The 37th annual event attracted approximately 35,000 people over the weekend.The festival included a parade, vendors and a... more »

Despite recession, many pet-centered businesses in Lee report continued strength

Many pet owners in Lee County are still spending on their four-legged and feathered friends despite the hard economic times.Some pet-related businesses have been hard-hit by the downturn, but others have seen revenues remain steady... more »

Holiday survey: Buyers to spend less, shop later

Port Washington, N.Y.--The NPD Group, a leading market research company, has released the results of its annual survey of consumers' holiday spending intentions.The survey reveals that a greater percentage of consumers plan to spend less... more »

Autumn sales are scary good for some Central New York businesses

Syracuse, NY -- The first signs of Halloween — the candy, the costumes, the pumpkins — used to emerge in early fall, sandwiched safely between the back-to-school season and the Christmas rush. During the last... more »

Shop Around: Different twist on a dollar shop

Donna Freeman had always dreamed of opening a high-end boutique. But because of the stale economy, she opened an upscale dollar store instead. Freeman specializes in low-cost gift baskets that she puts together with items... more »