(AP) — A strong start to the holiday season is raising confidence that the consumer is back and that 2011 could be a better year for the economy than expected. Retail sales are rising, boosted by the best month for department stores in two years. Inflation remains tame. Businesses are restocking their shelves in anticipation […]
(Portfolio) — On Thanksgiving, instead of just eating turkey and watching football, some eager shoppers will be heading to the mall as stores like Wal-Mart, Ann Taylor, Target, and others open their doors on what was one of the last nonworking holidays. Retailers are being more aggressive this year as they try to capitalize on early shoppers who […]
(BusinessWeek.com) — Sales at U.S. retailers climbed in April for a seventh straight month, signaling consumers are helping to broaden the economic recovery. Further gains in consumer spending may give companies the confidence to keep hiring after payrolls climbed in April by the most in four years, helping households to continue shopping. More employment would […]
American consumers are finally coming out of hiding.