consumer trends

Layaway making a comeback

Minnesota — Ella Stewart's shopping cart overflowed with toys and games as she wheeled it and her animated 1-year-old daughter, Allonnah, to the Kmart layaway desk last week.Stewart usually shops at the Wal-Mart store near... more »

This holiday season, retailers better be wary of the surly shopper

Retailers are turning on the charm in an effort to coax credit cards from the wallets of financially stressed customers this holiday season. "Retailers are looking at the market today the same way their customers... more »

Forrester: Economy To Significantly Slow US Online Holiday Sales

US online retail sales this holiday season will reach $44B, a 12 percent increase over last year and the slowest growth rate to date, according to Forrester Research, Inc.. This year's weakened growth is indicative... more »

Christmasworld presents the trends in decoration for the coming festive season

(FRANKFURT, Germany) --- Fashion leads the way: every season there are different colours, new cuts, changing patterns. And every year the same question arises with the Christmas tree, too: how is it to be dressed?... more »

NASFT: Young adults buying; cold drinks, coffee most purchased

(New York, NY) – Consumers of specialty foods are getting younger and more adventurous. Despite the turbulent economy, the $49.7 billion specialty food industry is enjoying a high level of consumption among young adults. At... more »

7WNY Tabletop Week: Upswing in Buyer Attendance, Exceeds Expectations

(NEW YORK, NY) – A significant increase in buyers – many of them first-timers – shopping the resources across the 11th Floor temporary exhibits and the tabletop permanent showrooms drove an upbeat mood throughout 7... more »

Budget-minded shoppers rediscover layaway plans

Qiana Zimmerle got an early start on her Christmas shopping last week, heading to a Kmart in Burbank where she loaded up a cart with toys, clothes and a High School Musical game.But with money... more »

Winter NYIGF seminars emphasize strategies for challening economic times

(WHITE PLAINS, NY) ... A comprehensive series of educational sessions covering business issues pertinent to retailers will be among highlights of the 156th semi-annual New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), Sunday, January 25, through Thursday,... more »