consumer trends

Local tourism forecast: Sunny

Lake George — Last week, Patty Kirkpatrick was roasting almonds in the front window of Nina's Sweet Shoppe in Lake George when she was distracted by customers. The batch burned. But the smell of overcooked... more »

Out-of-way spots like Colo. hit as travelers stick closer to home

Judy Curtis and her husband hoped to travel to Venice, Italy, this summer as a reward for paying off the mortgage on their Boulder home. But after further investigation, the couple figured their money would... more »

Sadek Reports 59 Percent Increase in Wholesale Online Sales

New Rochelle, NY — Andrea by Sadek, a leading wholesale supplier to the gift, tableware and home furnishings industries known for its range of unique products, reports a 59 percent increase in its wholesale online... more »

Nine in 10 expect gas costs to squeeze them

Washington - Four-dollar gasoline has stolen a beach vacation from Julie Jacobs' family, "little small luxuries" like exotic bath washes from Angela Crawford and dinners out from folks all over the country. Phil English has... more »

Catch the Wind art gallery, gift shop represents dream come true for proprietors

Shepody - Diana Paterson's dream has come true and the ardor in her voice reveals sheer happiness. She and her husband Art have bid farewell to the clamour of big city life to own and... more »

An uptime for airport stores; Delays, fewer flights mean more chances to shop

En route to board a flight to sunny California recently, Ray Perez found time to try on several pairs of designer sunglasses. The Houston businessman, who travels once or twice a month, happened to walk... more »

Not enough customers, downtown store closing

A prominent gift-and-home-decor store in downtown St. Catharines is closing at the end of the month. White On White, which has been in the core for seven years, is known for its white, silver and... more »

China To Leapfrog Japan In Retail Sales By ’12

China, which is expected to register double-digit sales, will surpass Japan to become the second-largest retail market after the U.S., according to a new forecast from TNS Retail Forward. The Columbus, Ohio-based consulting company says... more »