holidays

Retailers bank on longer selling season for Easter

Franklin—Even the Easter Bunny is scaling back because of the economy.Americans are cutting spending on holiday candy, gifts, food and decorations, according to the National Retail Federation's 2009 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.Locally, gift... more »

Artists have luck o’ the Irish

Two local artists have spun lifelong passions into successful business enterprises and, this St. Patrick's Day, both have special reason to praise the luck of the Irish.When Susan Hettrich-Makoczy gave up her career as a... more »

Shops with heart cater to keeping consciences clear

Because it's Valentine's Day, Store Gazing decided to go to the heart of the matter: Bravery Hearts and Heart On Your Sleeve, two shops that are destination points.Bravery Hearts, at 242 Brooke Ave. between Lawrence... more »

Cupids keep on shopping

Love has no awareness of a recession, at least when it comes to Valentine's Day. According to local business owners, local Cupids this year have been spending as much, if not more in some cases,... more »

Valentine’s spending declines somewhat, but retailers still bet on romance

Kacy Culp and her husband agreed not to exchange big gifts this Valentine's Day. They probably will give each other cards, and Culp said her mother would take care of gifts for the kids. Culp,... more »

Despite economic storm clouds, local merchants stay hopeful for Mardi Gras

Batool Ali is worried that the feather boas and Carnival masks she usually can't keep on the shelves during Mardi Gras season will be slow to move this year as visitors to her French Quarter... more »

Local flower shop owners fear lower sales this Valentine’s Day

Middletown — Poor weather and a Saturday holiday have local shops worried about slow sales this Valentine's Day.While a survey by the National Retail Federation finds that consumers plan to spend nearly $102 — 17... more »

Business owners talk trends, traditions of Valentine’s Day

Hearts and roses, love poems and songs - there are dozens of ways to say "I love you" on Valentine's Day, but perhaps none quite as traditional as chocolate, diamonds and flowers."You just can't go... more »