consumer trends

Despite higher fuel costs, retailers cut shipping rates

Over the past few years, retailers have increasingly discovered a powerful way to entice shoppers to buy during the crucial Christmas season: slash shipping costs. Much higher fuel costs this season raised fears that free... more »

Consumer body draws up list of guidelines

Ireland — A set of draft guidelines on the display of sale prices, advertising and the use of gift vouchers by retailers has been drawn up by the National Consumer Agency (NCA).The guidelines recommend that... more »

Buyers Active at NYIGF

WHITE PLAINS, NY ... A considerable selection of new merchandise, strategically categorized among nine product divisions, lured 36,000 attendees to the summer edition of the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) at the Jacob K.... more »

Tourism mecca Orlando sweats sour economy, high gas prices

Orlando, Fla. — Rene Blanco reaches for his back pocket where the tips go and shakes his head, his hand coming up empty."I've been here an hour this morning and haven't made a penny," said... more »

Retailers Use Social Media To Spur Back-To-School Sales

More retailers are turning to social media to drum up business among back-to-school shoppers, according to recent research. Social networking sites, virtual worlds, social shopping sites, visual search engines, interactive video, and widgets have emerged... more »

Retailer Poggi Bonsi sees its wholesale efforts fall, but sales on the website are picking up

To hear the stories, you would think Keli DeRitis and Michelle Codd were running a travel company, not a Burien gift store with a quirky name.The business partners and longtime friends are owners of Poggi... more »

Shoppers go for the gold on tax holiday

Savvy shoppers crowded Boston-area malls and stores yesterday, taking advantage of the state's fifth annual sales tax holiday and saving 5 percent on items ranging from school supplies to expensive electronics. Retailers, fearful that the... more »

School start indicator of retail health

Retailers will be paying special attention to sales totals this weekend.School begins Monday in some South Dakota towns, including Sioux Falls. The shopping for supplies and clothing in preparation for the return to classes usually... more »