consumer trends

Shopaholics will be shopaholics

The idea of a movie called "Confessions of a Shopaholic" arriving in multiplexes at a time when Americans are dramatically cutting back may sound like a recipe for an empty theater. But don't tell that... more »

Merchant creates a sign of the times to ask for support

Martinsburg, WV - It's quite possible that Freda Svoboda has never met a stranger.That's especially true when folks enter her cozy gift and craft shop, Freda's Creations, the kind of inviting place where people stop... more »

Local retailers think more periods of sales tax hiatus will lure shoppers to stores

The National Retail Federation projects annual retail sales will decline 0.5 percent from last year. That has Manatee County's major retailers asking for a series of sales tax holidays as a way to boost consumer... more »

Consumers get frugal, so retailers get creative

For years, dietitians have urged Americans to practice mindful eating. Eat slowly. Savor every bite. If eating chocolate cake, make sure it's really good chocolate cake. Now, as the country slogs through the worst recession... more »

NRF: Retail sales to drop 0.5 percent in 2009

Washington--Retail industry sales, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, are expected to decrease 0.5 percent compared with 2008, as consumers continue to shift their spending priorities, according to the National Retail Federation's (NRF) 2008 economic... more »

The wealthy turn stealthy as economy weakens

Beverly Hills, CA — Throwing your money around is so pre-recession. As the economy weakens, the wealthy and the businesses that cater to them say it's more common — even chic — to scale back... more »

Independent gift retailers holding their own

Independent gift retailers in Scotland are defying the downturn and outperforming other high street traders, according to a survey.Figures published last week by the Scottish Retail Consortium showed that non-food sales in December in Scotland... more »

Steady sales at stores keep tails wagging

The nation may be in an economic slump, but many of the pet product vendors attending the recent Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market said the pet market is holding its own."My December sales... more »