consumer trends

Merchants expand, despite slow economy

Birmingham — At a time when many local business owners are exhausting all their energy just keeping one store open, several savvy merchants are setting their sites on expansion.Rather than riding out the recession, Stacie... more »

Buttercup saves by sharing with similar stores

As The Buttercup stationery and gift shop celebrates its 34th anniversary this month, its owners are taking steps to ensure they can mark many more milestones.In February, for instance, the store ended its Monday hours... more »

Sweet sales: Comfort food indulgences going strong for candy retailers

Loveland resident Janie Ritchie wants chocolate to get a larger space in the food guide pyramid than the "use sparingly" top layer of fats, oils and sweets. Ritchie told this to Ida Suppes, owner of... more »

Malls court smaller, private retailers on temporary leases

Merchandise isn't the only thing on sale at the malls these days. Good deals abound on all that space left vacant by bankrupt national retailers, and locals are seizing the opportunities.Some are start-ups, like the... more »

Riviera Village gift shop will stay open after all

In just about a month's time, Michael and Royce Morales posted closing signs at their Riviera Village gift shop, marked down merchandise and said goodbye to customers as they prepared to shut their doors.It was... more »

US consumer confidence hits nine-month high

US consumer confidence rose in June to its highest level in nine months as a recent stock market rally and signs of economic stability have begun to peel away some of gloom cast by the... more »

New jobless claims drop to 601K; retail sales rise

Washington, DC—The number of newly laid-off Americans filing jobless claims fell more than expected last week and retail sales grew in May for the first time in three months. But a rise in the number... more »

Back-to-School Shopping To Test Retail Resilience

Chicago - As students study for final exams, the retail industry is gearing up for its biggest test so far this year -- the back-to-school shopping season.After cutting costs to cope with slack consumer demand... more »