Retailers Rethink Tactics, Seeing Shame Over Splurging as a Barrier to Recovery
By CHRISTINA PASSARIELLO
In the past year, the guilty pleasure of shopping has turned to plain old guilt.
Guilt has always been part of the shopping experience. But retail executives say it has become such an overriding emotion among shoppers since the economic crisis set [...]
By MAX COLCHESTER And CHRISTINA PASSARIELLO
PARIS—France’s specialized embroiderers, seamstresses, tailors and hatmakers—once the backbone of a thriving fashion business—are today among the hardest-hit victims of the global slowdown in luxury-goods sales. As fashion houses cancel orders and cut costs, these small businesses are now turning to the French government for help.
On Monday, France’s Prime [...]
The federal government is reportedly investigating whether Toys R Us Inc. has improperly acted to discourage discounting and keep the prices consumers pay on baby products such as strollers and car seats higher than they otherwise may have been.
The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that the Federal Trade Commission is examining whether [...]
What would you think of a proposal to create a consumer financial system in which the poor subsidize the well off? How about one that raises costs for those who do not use credit while imposing hefty penalties on those who use it unwisely?
If all that sounds good, read no further. That is the [...]
Entrepreneurs Hire Consultants to Promote Business on Social-Media Sites, but the Extra Cost Is Big Question
Sylvester Chisom began paying a consultant last summer to blog on Twitter, post status updates on Facebook and run marketing campaigns on both sites for his auto-detailing business.
David BucknerSylvester Chisom, front, and Arthur Shivers pay a consultant to market [...]
The world’s biggest retailer works with thousands of small suppliers on a regular basis. But landing a contract comes with downsides worth considering before applying