consumer trends

A post-recession prosperity plan

Americans have put themselves on a budget. In the first quarter of 2009, the personal savings rate hit to 5.2 percent. And in a recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey, 57 percent of Americans... more »

Back-To-Basics Seen For Sluggish Back-To-School Retail Sales

New York, NY--It's going to be pretty bare bones when it comes to back-to-school shopping, with sales this year shaping up to be even worse than 2008."Necessities," "value" and "basics" were the words most used... more »

Tweens spend billions at stores

Children, parents like to say, are always growing up too fast.Now, at least, they're doing it in style."Tween" fashions and accessories, those marketed to children, usually girls between ages 7 and 14, are a multibillion-dollar... more »

Christmas in July; Retailers order stock, cross fingers for holidays

Shoppers might not think about Christmas in July, but you can bet their favorite stores do.For some retailers, the weeks between Halloween and New Year's generate half – or more – of their annual sales.... more »

Retailers hope for back-to-school boost

Like most retailers throughout America, Jody Tanner's two Bulldog Sporting Goods stores in Athens rely heavily on back-to-school business, especially since it is the industry's second biggest selling period after the Christmas holidays. "We really... more »

Retailers Highlight Accessories; With New Wardrobes a Tough Sell, Chains Try Belts, Bangles and Bags

Clothing retailers are expanding their collections of belts, bangles and bags in hopes these high-margin accessories will boost slumping sales.Casual wear retailer J.Crew Group Inc. opened its first accessories boutique last month in New York... more »

Krazy Daze to be ‘rock ‘n’ rollin’ back prices’

Edmond — Krazy shopping fanatics can take a step back into the 1950s during the 56th annual "Krazy Days" sidewalk sale in downtown Edmond from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.The event's rock... more »

Sayville shops band together to weather recession

Angela and Vincent D'Aguanno, owners of Rumpelstiltskin Yarns in Sayville, noticed that some of their customers cut back on knitting classes and saw impulse purchases drop as the recession went into full swing in 2008.The... more »