holidays

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 »

Mardi Gras store opens for season, sells gifts the rest of the year

Joe Elliott has no excuse not to be the best dressed at Southeast Texas' annual Mardi Gras events. Elliott is the co-owner of Elliott's Mardi Gras Outlet - which is known simply as Elliott's for... more »

Seeing Red—Merchants happy to see the festive hue

Some local businesses are seeing red this time of year, but it has nothing to do with the state of the economy. They are just getting in the spirit for the Valentine's Day. Florists and... more »

Holiday Sales Decline 2.8 Percent in 2008, According to NRF

New York City, NY – A deep recession, severe winter weather and five fewer shopping days combined to create the most challenging sales environment in years for the nation's retailers. According to the National Retail... more »

After sales, will shoppers pay full price again?

New York -- Shoppers are getting used to those 75 percent off sale signs, and that's bad news for merchants who worry they will also have to quickly slash prices on spring goods to attract... more »