consumer trends

Businesses Get Creative During Recession

Colorado Springs, Colo. -- Davin Neubacher could have panicked when his business revenue nose-dived in the fourth quarter of 2008, from 20 percent growth to 7 percent. "You can either throw up your hands or... more »

Mother’s Day spending expected to fall this year, but retailers say Southeast Texas sales are strong

Cambie Jenkins and Gina Savoie, two designers at Forever Yours Florist in Beaumont, expect to spend the next week knee-deep in twigs and flower petals. The two will be working extra hours to fill the... more »

Sales tax increase supporters see budget salve

To some Cape Cod business owners, a proposal to increase the state sales tax is a simple matter of dollars and sense.The 1.25-percent sales tax hike, proposed this week on Beacon Hill, isn't likely to... more »

Buffalo’s Mom and Pop Shops Skirt Sour Economy

Buffalo, NY — The Elmwood Village Association is tackling the economic downturn with a promotion to boost sales during two peak shopping times - Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day weeks. But promoters say business for Buffalo's... more »

Consumer confidence soars in April

New York—Hopeful signs that the worst may be over for the economy boosted Americans' moods in April, sending a closely watched barometer of sentiment to the highest level since November.The New York-based Conference Board said... more »

Smithfield’s downtown is target of county study

Smithfield - The welcoming aroma of fresh-baked cookies no longer wafts across Main Street every day.Miss Bessie's Best Cookies & Candies made her sweet departure from downtown Smithfield's historic district early this year. Several "For... more »

Mall Titan Enters Chapter 11

Mall owner General Growth Properties Inc. sought bankruptcy protection early Thursday in one of the largest real-estate failures in U.S. history, capping a precarious, months-long effort to juggle the crushing $27 billion debt load it... more »

Niche retailers stay creative to keep local shops going

It's been a long, torturous end to the winter doldrums, and Beverly Bates is eager to see some fresh green. Money that is.On this warm, breezy Good Friday morning, the owner of Beverly's Fine Fashions... more »