sales economy

Niche retailers stay creative to keep local shops going

It's been a long, torturous end to the winter doldrums, and Beverly Bates is eager to see some fresh green. Money that is.On this warm, breezy Good Friday morning, the owner of Beverly's Fine Fashions... more »

Retail sales drop 1.3% in March

After two encouraging months of small increases, retail sales declined nationally in March, indicating many consumers are still not willing to shop for substantial purchases.The U.S. Commerce Department reported Tuesday that retail sales declined 1.3... more »

Closings Aside, Branford Merchants Stay Upbeat

Branford entrepreneur Daniela Fenton has no qualms about the economy, despite some nearby stores closing in the Town Center."I haven't even thought about the economy," said Fenton, the owner of Blend at 1120 Main St.... more »

Rumors about retailers can be very bad news for their health

Word started trickling out in October, warning that gift cards could be worthless if stores were to go bankrupt. Within a month, an ominous Internet claim said chains including Ann Taylor and Zales would close... more »

Good Friday turns into good retail day

Shoppers turned out en masse on Good Friday, despite predictions that consumers would spend less on Easter shopping this year.The National Retail Federation projected Americans would spend an average of about $116 on Easter items... more »

It’s raining freebies at restaurants

Got a sweet tooth for an afternoon treat, a hankering for barbecue ribs or a craving for caffeine?In the next few weeks, metro Atlanta consumers can get a tasting of all of these for free,... more »

Retail 3.0: Keeping customers in an economic downturn

Earlier this week, I wrote about a study that said consumers are downshifting their shopping habits during the current recession, and that their frugality might linger after the economic recovery. So what are retailers doing... more »

Small town’s ‘stimulus plan’ rewards buyers

Lamar, CO -- While most of America waits for federal stimulus money to make its way into wallets, one small town on the Colorado plains has taken matters into its own hands by launching its... more »