retail

Published
January 20, 2023

Maine Voices: Free repair and replacement are available to Maine consumers; here’s how

A ‘little-known’ Maine state law protects consumers against being sold defective goods within four years of sale. Until recently, I had no idea it existed.
Published
December 30, 2022

Maine Voices: Again and again, consumers are pushed to the back of the line

I consider myself mild mannered, but even I have been pushed to the brink of meltdown by endless waits and poor customer service.
Published
December 9, 2022

Commentary: Let’s not lose sight of stubborn supply chain challenges

An abundance of holiday shopping choices might lead consumers to believe the supply chain is in OK shape again. Wrong!
Published
December 2, 2022

Dine-and-shop: The trend of restaurants with retail markets comes to Portland

A growing number of local restaurants are incorporating small retail markets where they sell prepared foods, home goods and gifts. Or is it the other way around? Retail stores with a restaurant on the side? Either way, the combination is a winning one.
Published
November 20, 2022

Ho, ho, hum: Maine shoppers, stores predict a so-so holiday season

Amid the pandemic, the past two holiday gift-buying sprees have been boon times for retailers. This year, perhaps not so much.
Published
October 14, 2022

U.S. retail sales stagnate as inflation, rates hit consumers

Consumers are feeling a bigger pinch from rampant price pressures.
Published
October 6, 2022

Amazon plans to hire 150,000 workers for holiday season

The world's largest online retailer typically hires legions of temporary workers this time of year to help store, pack and ship items from its warehouses.
Published
October 4, 2022

Iconic Goodwill stores get serious with online treasures for thrifters

GoodwillFinds, a newly incorporated shopping venture, is making roughly 100,000 donated items available for purchase online and expanding Goodwill's internet presence.
Published
September 20, 2022

Gap slashes 500 corporate jobs in cost-cutting move

The job cuts follow years of struggle at the San Francisco-based retailer, which operates its namesake stores as well as the Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta chains.
Published
August 3, 2022

Maine Voices: Here and everywhere, cashiers should be allowed to take a seat

American supermarket and retail workers deserve better than the standard – standing – American check stand.