On Franchising Tuesday, May 6 - More than 200 new franchising opportunities were introduced in the U.S. last year, underscoring the industry's enormous popularity here.

But which ones will be around 10 years from now, and which are simply somebody's make-a-quick-buck scheme? Read More...

U.S. Weekly ICSC Retail Sales Decrease as Gas Prices Rise, Redbook Sales Advance Tuesday, May 6 - Consumers faced yet another record week of oil prices at the pump in the week ending May 3, contributing to a week-over-week decline in retail sales across the nation, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Redbook retail sales showed some advance on a year-over-year basis. Read More...

Counting on Cinco Monday, May 5 - It's not the biggest holiday in Mexico, but Cinco de Mayo is a big deal for southwest Detroit.

This year, the neighborhood's merchants -- whose businesses have suffered as a result of the Ambassador Bridge Gateway construction project -- are seeing the holiday as a kind of economic salvation. Read More...

Local residents debate how to use their rebates Monday, May 5 - Ithaca — How do you spend a tax rebate check?

That's the question people across the country have been asking themselves since May 2, when the federal government began sending out the first of more than 130 million economic stimulus payments in a $168 billion aid stimulus package. Read More...

Way Out Wax Transforms Candle Consciousness Tuesday, May 6 - Respect the Earth and pamper yourself by lighting a guilt-free and deliciously scented new offering from Way Out Wax. Handcrafted using 100 percent certified organic essential oils and certified GMO-free soy wax, Way Out Wax is setting industry standards for excellence, environmental stewardship and innovative, uncompromising aromatherapy. Read More...

Enesco signs long term agreement with Boyds Collection Tuesday, May 6 - Enesco, LLC, a leader in the gift, and home and garden décor industries, announced the signing of an exclusive, long-term, worldwide, strategic agreement with The Boyds Collection, Ltd.
Under the agreement, Boyds grants Enesco a license to design, manufacture and market certain products and brands of Boyds beginning May 6. Read More...

Hype Strype Offers Chic Greek Monday, May 5 - Hype Strype is excited to announce the expansion of its licensed Greek collection. In response to customer demand, the company has not only added another snappy design for each sorority, but they have also created several new products in this fresh and fun design. Read More...

Sadek Launches Improved Website Tailored to Shopping Preferences Monday, May 5 - Andrea by Sadek, a wholesale supplier to the gift, tableware and home furnishings industries known for its unique products, announced the launch of its improved, more comprehensive Web site, www.sadek.com. The site's new design caters to the needs of time-pressed customers, while providing a more aesthetically pleasing online shopping experience. Read More...

MAGIC Marketplace Drives Eco-Fashion From Harvest to High Street Monday, May 5 - Eco-fashion is the apparel industry’s fastest growing and most meaningful trend, and MAGIC International announced the launch of a new show floor experience for August 2008: ECOLLECTION @ MAGIC. ECOLLECTION will showcase the fashion industry’s most comprehensive collection of environmentally-conscious apparel and lifestyle brands while also providing interactive sustainability education and tools. Read More...

New Chocolate Company Uses Mostly Organic Ingredients Monday, May 5 - A new chocolate company formed in April 2007, in Lancaster County, which makes ‘truffle’-type chocolates using nearly all high quality ‘organic’ ingredients; from the chocolate used, to other ingredients such as organic powdered sugar, organic butter, and organic nuts (including peanuts, cashews and almonds). Read More...

HABA’s Game Dons 2008 iParenting Products Award Monday, May 5 - HABA has received a 2008 iParenting Media Awards Excellent Products Award for its Little Teddy Game. Read More...