consumer trends

Ingenuity keeps Wareham retail shop on top

Wareham, MA — When a business experiences a certain degree of success, it would be easy to keep things "status quo" — especially in this troubled economy.But the owners of Old Company Store aren't about... more »

Independent stores pump up the perks to lure shoppers

In these tough economic times, what's a store to do to make sure it's still in business a year from now?"Get a tarot card reader," said Emese Boone, owner of Box Turtle in Little Rock,... more »

Gift shop owners get by in the slow economy

Scituate — They are carefully budgeting advertising dollars by e-mailing loyal customers. They are also supporting themselves with side activities, like selling wholesale products and doing alterations.Business is hardly booming at local gift and boutique... more »

Austerity Hasn’t Squelched Everyone’s Will to Purchase

Alexa Choi did something recently that most Americans are avoiding. She spent money. Lots of it.On Christmas Eve, Choi went to a BMW dealer in Fairfax County and bought a black 2009 sedan. Her mother's... more »

Bravery in the face of recession

With consumers watching their spending, credit tougher to obtain and unemployment rising, this might seem an inopportune time to launch a small business.Some local entrepreneurs are thinking differently. They say they are mindful of the... more »

Local businesses strive to survive

Arlington, MA - Sales may be flagging at La Ladybug Boutique in Arlington center, but owner Kathleen Keady is trying to stay upbeat despite the deep economic recession. "Residents of Arlington are very conscientious," says... more »

Gift shop proprietor offers the personal touch

An entrepreneur who has just launched a gift shop in Bournville is hoping to beat the recession by selling products with a personal touch.Helen Dean, owner of 'Gifted' in Bournville Lane, said living in France... more »

Pacific Grove frame shop thrives amid declining economy

Saturday marked the one-year anniversary of a particularly significant moment for Glenn Gobel. On March 14, 2008, Gobel made a transformation from longtime employee to a small-business owner as he opened Glenn Gobel Custom Frames... more »