sales economy

Bronte maintains stability in tough economy

Folklore has it that the town of Bronte was named after the author of "Wuthering Heights" when it was founded in the 1880s, but the community evokes another fictional location for newcomer Steve Stango."This is... more »

Frugality is cool in back-to-school shopping

Portland, OR -- Ten-year-old Sara Thomas strides across the fourth floor of Macy's department store, eyes well-trained for the clearance rack.Forget the brand-named tank tops priced at $20-a-piece. Never mind what the mannequins are wearing.The... more »

Retailers entertaining new ideas to spark sales

Lisa O'Brien, owner of Underwired vintage clothing store in downtown Bethlehem, is focusing on keeping her prices reasonable and getting to know her customers by name as she tries to make it a personal experience... more »

June was gloomy month for economy

Retail and home sales were as dampened as the weather during June.Retail sales for the Midcoast totaled $41.5 million, down 15 percent from June 2008. Local retailers took in nearly $7.3 million less in income... more »

A post-recession prosperity plan

Americans have put themselves on a budget. In the first quarter of 2009, the personal savings rate hit to 5.2 percent. And in a recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey, 57 percent of Americans... more »

Christmas in July; Retailers order stock, cross fingers for holidays

Shoppers might not think about Christmas in July, but you can bet their favorite stores do.For some retailers, the weeks between Halloween and New Year's generate half – or more – of their annual sales.... more »

Retailers Highlight Accessories; With New Wardrobes a Tough Sell, Chains Try Belts, Bangles and Bags

Clothing retailers are expanding their collections of belts, bangles and bags in hopes these high-margin accessories will boost slumping sales.Casual wear retailer J.Crew Group Inc. opened its first accessories boutique last month in New York... more »

Sayville shops band together to weather recession

Angela and Vincent D'Aguanno, owners of Rumpelstiltskin Yarns in Sayville, noticed that some of their customers cut back on knitting classes and saw impulse purchases drop as the recession went into full swing in 2008.The... more »