shopping

People in the south are celebrating a new holiday and its tax free.

Last week Arkansas shoppers braved record high temperatures to join in on the first ever tax free shopping weekend. In February the state’s lawmakers approved the holiday to give parents a tax break on their back-to-school shopping; this included savings on clothes, school supplies and uniforms.

Clancy Graham is the owner of a boutique in Arkansas and says the amount of business brought in by dropping the tax was unbelievable. Graham says their sales goal was tripled and more money was made in that one weekend than over the entire month. But while shoppers are gleefully spending the state is feeling the pinch. Officials say the tax free holiday will cost the state about $2 million in revenue.  read more »

Burning up the plastic at your favorite store? Your spending could be out of your control.

You might think you can put a handle on how much your next spree will cost you. But according to MSN Money there are eight unusual factors to blame for your shopping. Marketing experts say we are more seduced by outside factors when we shop than we realize. For example, where your last name falls in the alphabet can contribute to shopping behavior.  read more »

These days it’s safer to be politically correct; but if you’re a major retail store, it can hurt your bottom line.

Over the past years you may have noticed signs that read “Happy Holidays” or “Season’s Greetings” adorning the windows of your favorite store. But this year the message will most likely read “Merry Christmas” whether you celebrate the holiday or not.  read more »

Old habits die hard, except in this economy.

As bank account balances dwindle many Americans are turning away from their regular retail haunts and shopping for a bargain. A Goodwill store that recently opened in Paramus, New Jersey is seeing a steady stream of business from people that used to favor department stores.

Experts say the stigmas that used to be attached to thrift stores have fallen away as people accept the fact they can’t afford to pay full price. And it’s not just clothing stores. Shoppers are clipping coupons and favoring store brands at the grocery store. When it comes to buying expensive items and holiday shopping, stores are seeing a surge in layaway. And credit card companies are reporting a surge in purchases at fast food restaurants like McDonalds.  read more »

With the holiday’s right around the corner, people are already feeling the spirit. And this year this means good news for the unemployed.

Last year’s holiday season was a little dismal with most people feeling the recession’s pinch. But now consumer confidence is up and stores are getting out the help wanted signs in anticipation of long lines and big crowds. The electronics chain Best Buy is planning to hire 29,000 seasonal workers. The company also plans to spend more on promotions this year and open about 50 mobile product locations to boost the sale of smart phones.  read more »

The lights are up, the tree is decorated and it's time to hit the stores for holiday gifts. But you better watch out for more than just Santa, there are some money mistakes everyone seems to make come the holiday season.

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine has narrowed the monetary mishap list down to ten crucial errors, and if you can avoid them your bank account will be a lot more jolly come the new year. While the recession pain may be easing shoppers are still holding tight to their wallets so here are some tips you shouldn't pass up.  read more »

Analysts say the recession is coming to a close and while this is good news for your bank accounts there may be some left over lessons you remember.

During this period of economic uncertainty you made some cuts to your lifestyle and started saving a little more for a rainy day. Well with the sun about to shine again US News and World Report says you should keep up these habits and provide yourself with a better economic future no matter what's on the horizon.  read more »