For U.S. retailers, the phrase "challenging environment" has become a shared refrain for one of the toughest quarters in decades. And merchants expect the climate to remain rough for the rest of the year as higher gas and food costs as well as slumping home prices weigh on shoppers. ...more

May 21, 2008

For products that are truly in demand, such as Wii game consoles, tickets to the Super Bowl or cans of corn Niblets on double-coupon day, it may seem reasonable to limit the number a customer can buy at one time. ...more

January 14, 2008

When I was 11 years old, there wasn't a lot of reason to pine for a stack of presents piled under a Christmas tree. ...more

December 25, 2007

Malls •Prime Outlets at Ellenton Today - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas - Closed ...more

December 24, 2007

As suspects go, this caper was easier to solve than: Who shot Lee Harvey Oswald? ...more

December 20, 2007

One hundred or so homeless and wild cats are getting giddy thanks to Operation Happy Socks and local Girl Scouts. ...more

October 19, 2007

A local Girl Scout and Brownie troop recently got a lesson in animal aid and pet care while on a field trip to the local PetSmart pet supply store. ...more

October 17, 2007