Rising prices at the gas pump and in grocery aisles are starting to crimp shoppers’ outlook. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell sharply from a three-year high in February, reversing five straight months of improvement. The decline raises questions ...

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WASHINGTON — Shoppers snapped up new cars, clothing and electronics in February, pushing retail sales up for the eighth straight month. Retail sales rose 1 percent last month, the Commerce Department reported Friday. Part of the gain reflected higher prices ...

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NEW YORK — Retailers reported surprisingly solid January revenue gains Thursday that swept away fears that snowstorms in much of the country had chilled sales. The reports, which are being compared with a respectable January 2010, offer encouraging signs that ...

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WASHINGTON — Washington shoppers have spent approximately $2 million on paper and plastic bags in the past year, one nickel at a time. The city’s 5-cent tax on bags began in January of last year, but consumers spent much less ...

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NEW YORK — Holiday shoppers gave retailers a happy Thanksgiving weekend, crowding stores and malls more than last year. Add strong spending earlier this month and robust sales online, and retailers head into “Cyber Monday” encouraged. Particularly because many shoppers ...

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Laptop computers for $198. Printers for $44. Sterling silver diamond bracelets for $99. Five-gallon Shop-Vac portable vacuums for $15. Large slow cookers for $2.97. As the holiday shopping season nears its official start, local retailers are hoping that special promotions, ...

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NEW YORK — Shoppers spent a bit more in early November, raising retailers’ spirits about the holiday season right before it kicks into high gear. Early discounting on everything from TVs and sweaters as well as free shipping deals helped ...

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NEW YORK — The Christmas shopping season doesn’t kick off for another six weeks, but retailers already are signaling they’re prepared to discount aggressively if needed to entice shoppers still skittish about spending. Stores expect gift buyers to scrutinize every ...

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