consumer trends

Big pitch by stores before tax rises

Struggling retailers in Massachusetts are rolling out huge discounts and blasting e-mails and letters to consumers, urging them to make big purchases before the 5 percent sales tax increases to 6.25 percent on Aug. 1."Those... more »

Back-to-school sales start early

Everett, WA — School's out for summer, but school supplies are in. And retailers are rolling out deep discounts early as consumers are expected to scale back their back-to-school spending."The economy has clearly changed the... more »

CL entices shoppers to spend locally

Crystal Lake, IL – City officials want to lure back-to-school shoppers to Crystal Lake with a new incentive program.The City Council approved the $50,000 shopping program earlier this month as part of a $600,000 stimulus... more »

Expanding in a recession: Periwinkles plans 3rd store

Bill and Linda Kirshenbaum, owners of Periwinkles for Her gift shops at Westroads Mall and Village Pointe, plan to paint the new store at Bel-Air Plaza pink and call it "Pinky"Winkles. "It's scary opening a... more »

The Elements Of A Great Shopping Experience

Paula Courtney found "wow" when she took her daughter to the employee washroom at her local grocery store. A sign by the door instructed workers to remain physically by the side of any customer experiencing... more »

Holiday shopping will be early this year, Christmas tree e-retailer says

For Thomas Harman, whose BalsamHill.com retail site depends entirely on Christmas, the holiday shopping season is basically over by Dec. 10. And the shopping season for every retailer will be earlier this year than last... more »

Trending Up Spring 2009

Anna Griffin Inc. These limited-edition lunch totes cash in on current customers' trend of eating in. Made of 100% laminated cotton, they are available in seven patterns. Dimension: 7 1/4" x 12 1/4" x 4 3/4".  888.817.8170AnnaGriffin.com Traffic... more »

Small businesses struggle in downturn

Although the fate of certain large industries such as banking and automotive has drawn much attention over the course of the recession so far, about half of all private sector employees in the nation work... more »