sales economy

Malls court smaller, private retailers on temporary leases

Merchandise isn't the only thing on sale at the malls these days. Good deals abound on all that space left vacant by bankrupt national retailers, and locals are seizing the opportunities.Some are start-ups, like the... more »

Riviera Village gift shop will stay open after all

In just about a month's time, Michael and Royce Morales posted closing signs at their Riviera Village gift shop, marked down merchandise and said goodbye to customers as they prepared to shut their doors.It was... more »

US consumer confidence hits nine-month high

US consumer confidence rose in June to its highest level in nine months as a recent stock market rally and signs of economic stability have begun to peel away some of gloom cast by the... more »

Nielsen Finds Consumers Cautiously Ready to Spend Again

Restraint will be the new mantra among consumers, according to the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Survey. But that doesn't mean they won't start spending again in the near future.Respondents to the poll, conducted in April... more »

Businesses weathering the storm

Two downtown Milford business owners have buddied up to save their stores.Aubergine Gallery has moved to the other side of Main Street and a few storefronts south to share at Adrianne's Gifts.Janine Rudzki, who owns... more »

Frugality turns fashionable as recession hits the wealthy

Months before financial markets collapsed in fall 2008, boutique proprietor Lee-Lee Sprenger noticed that her usually free-spending customers were flinching at $900 price tags on sweaters fresh from Italy. Sales at Mélange on Montana Avenue... more »

Tough Economy Brings More Of The Same For Dad: Ties, Gift Cards And Lots Of Love, According To NRF

Washington, DC – During a thriving economy or a global recession one thing remains true for dear old dad when it comes to Father's Day: Dinner and neckties. According to the National Retail Federation's 2009... more »

Economic downturn makes finding summer jobs tough for teens

It's a tough time to find a job. Now imagine trying to land one if your only "work experience" is household chores or baby-sitting. "I applied to like 20 places, and the only thing I... more »