consumer trends

Nielsen Finds Consumers Cautiously Ready to Spend Again

Restraint will be the new mantra among consumers, according to the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Survey. But that doesn't mean they won't start spending again in the near future.Respondents to the poll, conducted in April... more »

Businesses weathering the storm

Two downtown Milford business owners have buddied up to save their stores.Aubergine Gallery has moved to the other side of Main Street and a few storefronts south to share at Adrianne's Gifts.Janine Rudzki, who owns... more »

Frugality turns fashionable as recession hits the wealthy

Months before financial markets collapsed in fall 2008, boutique proprietor Lee-Lee Sprenger noticed that her usually free-spending customers were flinching at $900 price tags on sweaters fresh from Italy. Sales at Mélange on Montana Avenue... more »

Analysts expect May sales decline

New York (AP) — The weather has finally thawed, so what about the icy grip consumers have kept on their wallets? Thursday's retail sales numbers for May will offer insight into whether an uptick in... more »

Tough Economy Brings More Of The Same For Dad: Ties, Gift Cards And Lots Of Love, According To NRF

Washington, DC – During a thriving economy or a global recession one thing remains true for dear old dad when it comes to Father's Day: Dinner and neckties. According to the National Retail Federation's 2009... more »

Economic downturn makes finding summer jobs tough for teens

It's a tough time to find a job. Now imagine trying to land one if your only "work experience" is household chores or baby-sitting. "I applied to like 20 places, and the only thing I... more »

Economy suspected in shoplifting increases

A 31-year-old woman selected two pairs of shoes worth $100, hid them, and tried to walk out of a West Valley City J.C. Penney. In a Taylorsville Harmon's, a 24-year-old man stuffed strawberry milk, vanilla... more »

Some Lower Cape businesses devising own ‘stimulus’ deals

Cape Cod - When the stock market began its sharp, quick descent and people watched their dollars disappear due to derivatives; the oft-repeated refrain was everyone was taking a hit. "From Wall Street to Main... more »