sales economy

Signs building that holiday retailing will be brighter

Washington — From Intel Corp. to TJX Cos., the outlook for the U.S. retail holiday season is becoming more optimistic.Intel, the world's biggest chipmaker, cited stronger consumer demand in projecting that its sales in the... more »

Despite recession, many pet-centered businesses in Lee report continued strength

Many pet owners in Lee County are still spending on their four-legged and feathered friends despite the hard economic times.Some pet-related businesses have been hard-hit by the downturn, but others have seen revenues remain steady... more »

Shop Around: Different twist on a dollar shop

Donna Freeman had always dreamed of opening a high-end boutique. But because of the stale economy, she opened an upscale dollar store instead. Freeman specializes in low-cost gift baskets that she puts together with items... more »

NRF Forecasts One Percent Decline In Holiday Sales

Washington — The National Retail Federation today released its 2009 holiday forecast, projecting holiday retail industry sales to decline one percent this year to $437.6 billion.* While this number falls significantly below the ten-year average... more »

‘Big-Box’ Retailers Spice Up Gift Cards For Holiday Season

New York -- Some "big-box" retailers may be spicing up an otherwise plain-vanilla product this holiday season to lure in value-conscious consumers - the gift card.Certain of these retailers - whose stores are physically large... more »

Greenspan predicts economic growth to hit 3 percent or higher

Washington -- The U.S. economy will grow more than expected in the third quarter, but unemployment also will continue to increase and will pass 10 percent, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said Sunday.Greenspan told... more »

Recession-stung stores plan old-fashioned holidays

New York — Stores are turning back the clock, conjuring images of hearth and home as they stock their holiday merchandise. Retailers hope embracing holiday traditions from cozier times will tempt recession-weary consumers to open... more »

U.S. retail landlords less willing to negotiate

New York, NY - While retailers are likely to face another tough holiday season, it may be much more difficult for them to extract any concessions from their landlords to help ease the ride, a... more »