consumer trends

Slow economy hits small-town retailers

Lanesboro -- Stocked with fashionable women's clothing, fabrics and books this holiday shopping season, Cheryl's Apparel lacks one thing necessary to ring up sales.The independent retail shop in Lanesboro is short on customers. Owner Cheryl... more »

For Craft Sales, the Recession Is a Help

San Francisco — Feeling the pinch of the economic downturn, some holiday gift-givers are saving money this year by making their own presents or — for those who lack the time or talent — buying... more »

Break in weather is a break for shoppers

Don't be fooled by all the large, pink, stuffed-to-the-gills shopping bags surrounding Amanda Kuzma.She and the rest of her family are cutting back this holiday season.Fewer gift cards. More group gifts. A secret Santa to... more »

Local shops offer unique gift options for last minute shoppers

Louisville, KY - The countdown to Christmas is on and with just a few days to go, that means you're running out of time to shop. But there is good news for you procrastinators. WAVE... more »

Study: Holiday Shopping Habits Become Greener

Consumers are increasingly putting plastic shopping bags and nongreen wrapping items on their naughty list, according to Deloitte's 2008 Annual Holiday Survey.Nearly half of the 13,000 consumers polled said they'd be willing to pay more... more »

Average Person Has Completed Far Less Holiday Shopping Than in Previous Years, According to NRF

Washington, DC – With five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, the holidays are sneaking up on shoppers more than usual. According to NRF's 2008 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by... more »

Specialty stores get holiday gift: Sales aren’t that bad

Christmas is a big deal for Lin Hanzelko, who owns a specialty toy shop in Lake Mary. But this year, she stocked fewer items at her store, Timmy's Toy Chest, not knowing if the jittery... more »

Analysts Expect More Discounts as Christmas Nears

Milwaukee (AP) -- The clock is winding down on what could be one of the worst holiday shopping seasons in decades and recession-hit shoppers are finally starting to feel some pressure to spend.But toy stores,... more »