holidays

Black Friday II: With gift cards in hand, shoppers descend on stores

Traditionally, Dec. 26 has been a day to return gifts that didn't fit or weren't to the recipient's taste. But gift cards are turning the day into a shopping bonanza similar to Black Friday."The traffic... more »

Braggin’ rights

Montpelier, VT – Like the elves in the North Pole, there were a number of late nights for Doug Bragg and his cohorts at Bragg Farm this holiday season."The last two weeks, it's really gangbusters,"... more »

Shop talk: Lessons gleaned from the holiday shopping season

I am a student of shopping. I get my thrill from watching people shop, learning why people shop and discovering how shopping habits affect people and the world around them.Not surprisingly, the holiday shopping season... more »

Slow economy hits small-town retailers

Lanesboro -- Stocked with fashionable women's clothing, fabrics and books this holiday shopping season, Cheryl's Apparel lacks one thing necessary to ring up sales.The independent retail shop in Lanesboro is short on customers. Owner Cheryl... more »

Last-Minute Shoppers Hit Stores

Harrisonburg, PA - Those looking to wrap up their holiday shopping flocked to Harrisonburg stores Saturday, hoping to find last-minute deals on the final weekend before Christmas.Parking lots at Harrisonburg Crossing, which includes the Wal-Mart... more »

For Craft Sales, the Recession Is a Help

San Francisco — Feeling the pinch of the economic downturn, some holiday gift-givers are saving money this year by making their own presents or — for those who lack the time or talent — buying... more »

Break in weather is a break for shoppers

Don't be fooled by all the large, pink, stuffed-to-the-gills shopping bags surrounding Amanda Kuzma.She and the rest of her family are cutting back this holiday season.Fewer gift cards. More group gifts. A secret Santa to... more »

Average Person Has Completed Far Less Holiday Shopping Than in Previous Years, According to NRF

Washington, DC – With five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, the holidays are sneaking up on shoppers more than usual. According to NRF's 2008 Holiday Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by... more »