consumer trends

Cedar Rapids businesses think state’s new Jumpstart could help

Cedar Rapids, IA — "Every little bit helps," Nan Barta said Tuesday as she studied a forgivable loan program to help Iowa's small businesses recover from spring weather disasters.The question for Barta and other small... more »

Balancing inventory

Pity the retailer.If he doesn't have it, he can't sell it. But if he orders it and nobody buys it, that's even worse.Inventory planning can be challenging in any financial climate. But when consumer spending... more »

Shop supplies beach gear

Your day at the beach may begin or end with a visit to Linda Magia, and that's just fine with the cashier at Folly Beach's largest gift shop.Magia has been on the job at Treasure... more »

Consumer Spending in U.S. to Stall, Hurting Growth

A record spending spree by U.S. consumers will come to an abrupt end this quarter as job losses cause Americans to restrain purchases, a Bloomberg News survey predicts.Personal spending, the biggest part of the economy,... more »

Web now retail necessity

Rick Martis' Physical Addictions supplement store in Indialantic does a brisk walk-in retail business, but his customer base has grown well beyond the municipal borders."I would say my business is one-third walk-in, one-third by phone,... more »

Small Business Advocate: Excellent customer service is golden

Before 1975, consumers enjoyed what I call The Golden Age of Customer Service. Sadly, based on recent research, we now appear to be in the Plastic Age of Customer Service.An American Customer Satisfaction Index found... more »

Shoppers are changing their buying habits

If they need it, they will come – but they're spending less.That's the shopper cadence major retail chains have seen this back-to-school season. After spending economic stimulus checks in early summer, shoppers delayed any further... more »

Home Textiles Market Week defies challenging economy



WHITE PLAINS, NY ... Solid and consistent order-writing by retailers unified the Summer 2008 Home Textiles Market Week across New York with an unexpected level of energy, despite current economic realities. The semi-annual market for... more »