holidays

Crowds help shore merchants breathe easier

Atlantic City — Last week, Judy Urban admits, she felt she was walking on eggshells - or seashells. Preparing for the make-or-break weekend of the summer season, after a month of rainy weather, she would... more »

For retailer buyers, a tall order for the holidays

Bradley Hilton is looking for bargains.As buyer for San Francisco-based Gump's, Hilton is in Dallas looking for lower-priced versions of pillows and throws than ones traditionally featured in the Christmas catalog.He is among the thousands... more »

Many retailers bullish on July 4 weekend

Despite the recession and a mostly rainy and cool June, area retailers' economic forecasts are not all doom and gloom.Nancy Kyle, president and CEO of the Retail Merchant's Association of New Hampshire, said sales are... more »

Holiday shopping will be early this year, Christmas tree e-retailer says

For Thomas Harman, whose BalsamHill.com retail site depends entirely on Christmas, the holiday shopping season is basically over by Dec. 10. And the shopping season for every retailer will be earlier this year than last... more »

Sports gear, gift cards popular presents for local dads

Father's Day for 19-year-old Stephen Brown is important because it allows him and his siblings to show why Dad is one of the people he admires."We get to celebrate the person we all look up... more »

Father’s Day is big business regardless of downturn

Despite the recession, dads can still expect dinner and neckties for Father's Day.According to a National Retail Federation survey, Americans are expected to spend an average of $90.89 on gifts for dad this year, down... more »

A day of solemnity… a weekend of spending

Tourism officials said this Memorial Day weekend was brighter than expected, and not just because of the sunny weather. The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau predicted a 2 percent increase in out-of-town visitors and... more »

Show mom love: mommy vs. the economy

Frugal-minded consumers may skip eating or might hold onto that car a little longer, but retailers are hoping they won't go cheap when it comes to Mom.Local gift shops, florists and eateries are heading into... more »