consumer trends

Moms Holiday Shopping Plans Previewed

Chicago -- All eyes are on moms this holiday season to see how much they will buy and what will it mean for the U.S. economic recovery. The Marketing to Moms Coalition, a nonprofit industry... more »

Bronte maintains stability in tough economy

Folklore has it that the town of Bronte was named after the author of "Wuthering Heights" when it was founded in the 1880s, but the community evokes another fictional location for newcomer Steve Stango."This is... more »

Frugality is cool in back-to-school shopping

Portland, OR -- Ten-year-old Sara Thomas strides across the fourth floor of Macy's department store, eyes well-trained for the clearance rack.Forget the brand-named tank tops priced at $20-a-piece. Never mind what the mannequins are wearing.The... more »

The New Normal: Shoppers Aren’t Spending Like They Used to, and May Never Again

The recession has created a different kind of shopper and that's having a profound impact on retailers including ones in the Northwest. This week we've been airing a series called "The New Normal." We've heard... more »

Retailers entertaining new ideas to spark sales

Lisa O'Brien, owner of Underwired vintage clothing store in downtown Bethlehem, is focusing on keeping her prices reasonable and getting to know her customers by name as she tries to make it a personal experience... more »

Angel Investors Become a Little Less So

Entrepreneurship is as vibrant as ever in the American economy, but the capital that finances new companies is still in retreat. Venture capital is running at the lowest levels in more than a decade, and... more »

Trending Up Summer 2009

White Lion Tea Company Capitalizing on the current rise of honey as a sweetener, Honey Pearls are 100% natural and contain no artificial flavors of additives. Crystallized honey contains 12 calories per teaspoon serving. Picture... more »

June was gloomy month for economy

Retail and home sales were as dampened as the weather during June.Retail sales for the Midcoast totaled $41.5 million, down 15 percent from June 2008. Local retailers took in nearly $7.3 million less in income... more »