Small businesses prepare for the holidays amid the pandemic

Nov 25, 2020
Small business retailers are facing a holiday season like no other. Three owners share how they're preparing for the shopping season.
A worker decorates the Christmas tree at The Grove outdoor shopping center in Los Angeles on, Nov. 5.
Valerie Macon/AFP

For retailers, holiday shopping was strong. But the way we shop is changing.

Jan 6, 2020
We followed three small business retailers throughout the holiday shopping season. Here's the final word on how it went.
A UPS worker sorts packages to be loaded onto a delivery truck at the UPS sort facility in South San Francisco, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For these retailers, the holiday season is crucial — and has deadlines

Dec 18, 2019
This holiday season, we're following several retailers from the end of November to the start of the New Year. This is part two of our series.
A holiday sale in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Prepping for the holidays with one eye on politics

Nov 20, 2019
One toy store owner says potential tariffs could eat up almost half of his profits.
Much of what Hobby Works sells is from China — and destined for a 15% tariff scheduled to start Dec. 15.
Nancy Marshall Genzer/Marketplace

The holiday shopping season is 6 days shorter this year ... or is it?

Nov 4, 2019
“It’s kind of a moving target,” one analyst says. Some retailers started offering holiday deals before Halloween.
Holiday shoppers in Macy's department store in New York City.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

How We Shop: Frugality as a way of life

Oct 30, 2019
For MaryAnn McCarra-Fitpatrick, shopping is serious business.
Mike Petrie Jr./Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

Weathering the hard times by selling chocolate

Nov 15, 2018
"People don't stop buying a few small luxuries" in a recession, one couple found.
Two holiday-themed chocolates from Dean's Sweets, Kristin Thalheimer Bingham's store in Portland, Maine.
Melissa Mullen

For Build-A-Bear CEO, business isn't just about the toys, it's about the experience

Nov 29, 2017
Sharon Price John weighs in on what it takes to survive as a teddy bear maker in an increasingly digital age.
Build-A-Bear Workshop provides a tactile experience that can't be replaced by iPads and cellphones, says CEO Sharon Price John.
Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Build-A-Bear