sales economy

Big pitch by stores before tax rises

Struggling retailers in Massachusetts are rolling out huge discounts and blasting e-mails and letters to consumers, urging them to make big purchases before the 5 percent sales tax increases to 6.25 percent on Aug. 1."Those... more »

CL entices shoppers to spend locally

Crystal Lake, IL – City officials want to lure back-to-school shoppers to Crystal Lake with a new incentive program.The City Council approved the $50,000 shopping program earlier this month as part of a $600,000 stimulus... more »

Expanding in a recession: Periwinkles plans 3rd store

Bill and Linda Kirshenbaum, owners of Periwinkles for Her gift shops at Westroads Mall and Village Pointe, plan to paint the new store at Bel-Air Plaza pink and call it "Pinky"Winkles. "It's scary opening a... more »

Holiday shopping will be early this year, Christmas tree e-retailer says

For Thomas Harman, whose BalsamHill.com retail site depends entirely on Christmas, the holiday shopping season is basically over by Dec. 10. And the shopping season for every retailer will be earlier this year than last... more »

Small businesses struggle in downturn

Although the fate of certain large industries such as banking and automotive has drawn much attention over the course of the recession so far, about half of all private sector employees in the nation work... more »

Merchants expand, despite slow economy

Birmingham — At a time when many local business owners are exhausting all their energy just keeping one store open, several savvy merchants are setting their sites on expansion.Rather than riding out the recession, Stacie... more »

Buttercup saves by sharing with similar stores

As The Buttercup stationery and gift shop celebrates its 34th anniversary this month, its owners are taking steps to ensure they can mark many more milestones.In February, for instance, the store ended its Monday hours... more »

Sweet sales: Comfort food indulgences going strong for candy retailers

Loveland resident Janie Ritchie wants chocolate to get a larger space in the food guide pyramid than the "use sparingly" top layer of fats, oils and sweets. Ritchie told this to Ida Suppes, owner of... more »