‘Buy it when you see it’: Retailers dread holiday shortages amid supply bottlenecks
Because of bottlenecks in the global supply chain, many stores are scrambling to try to get all the inventory they can ahead of the crucial holiday shopping season.
In turnabout, Remington activists open arms to businesses
A community association in Remington is doing something rare for that Baltimore neighborhood. It’s trying to make it easier to open a business. A Baltimore City Council bill aiming at make it easier to open shops in the neighborhood’s old community stores was presented at a Planning Commission hearing Thursday afternoon. The bill, which was […]
More holiday shoppers expected to buy online
As consumers prepare to rush to stores, an increasing number are expected to do their shopping online.
Wal-Mart spreads made-in-U.S. message
ORLANDO, Fla. — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is hoping for a groundswell “made-in-America” movement. The world’s largest retailer hosted its first two-day summit Thursday bringing together retailers, suppliers and government officials that it hopes will build on the company’s recent commitment to drive more manufacturing in the U.S. The event, which attracted representatives from[...]
Retailers report modest gains for May
NEW YORK — In the latest sign that Americans are feeling better about the overall economy, stores across the country had a pickup in sales in May. An improving job picture, better housing market and stock market rallies have all led to consumer confidence reaching five-year highs. That has left Americans a bit more likely […]
Earlier Black Friday kicks off shopping season
This year’s Black Friday shoppers were split into two distinct groups: those who wanted to fall into a turkey-induced slumber and those who’d rather shop instead. Stores typically open in the wee hours of the morning on the day after Thanksgiving that’s named Black Friday because of retail folklore that it’s traditionally when merchants turn […]
Spending slows, but retailers optimistic about holidays
Americans may have slowed their spending in September after splurging during the start of the busy back-to-school shopping season in the month before. But most importantly, they were still spending. September sales rose 3.9 percent — a slowdown from the 6-percent rise in August — as 22 retailers including Macy’s and Costco reported mixed results, […]
iPhone 5 launch draws Apple fans worldwide
In a now familiar global ritual, Apple fans jammed shops across the globe to pick up the tech juggernaut’s latest iPhone. Eager buyers formed long lines Friday at Apple Inc. stores in Asia, Europe and North America to be the first to get their hands on the latest version of the smartphone. In New York, […]
Best Buy founder offers to buy company, take it private
NEW YORK — Best Buy’s co-founder is looking to make a buy of his own, offering to take the electronics seller private only months after leaving as the company’s chairman. Best Buy said it would consider the offer but called it “highly conditional.” And analysts are skeptical that former Chairman Richard Schulze’s opening offer of […]
Clearances, heat lured shoppers to spend in July
NEW YORK — Shoppers showed some spending muscle in July, once summer clearance sales and the hottest July in 50 years got them in the mood. Solid sales reports from retailers Thursday took some of the sting out of weak June manufacturing data. And improving trends in unemployment benefit applications provide hope for slightly better […]
Towson’s new stores fuel retail optimism
The owners of Towson Town Center unveiled five new stores Wednesday amid optimism that retail sales figures are increasing there and shoppers are starting to open their pocketbooks once again. As a trio of musicians played upbeat Dixieland tunes, Charles P. Crerand, Towson Town Center’s senior general manager and an executive with mall owner General […]
Roomstore asks judge to allow asset sale
RICHMOND, Va. — The Roomstore Inc. plans to sell its assets at an auction, including the inventory at its stores. The Goochland County-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last December. It has asked a federal Bankruptcy Court judge to approve the asset sale. The auction would be held June 25. President and CEO […]