Photo: Alysa Erichs of USA-IT examines a knock-off backpack during a presentation of holiday season counterfeit goods in Washington, DC “Don’t let Black Friday fund the Black Market.” That was the warning from Alysa Erichs, former Acting Executive Associate Director of Homeland Security Investigations, to Americans looking for good deals on their holiday shopping. The
Shoppers venturing out to malls and stores on Black Friday found perks from champagne to virtual reality experiences and old-fashioned doorbusters, as retailers tried to entice customers who are resisting splurges and impulse buying this year. Consumers are under pressure as their savings dwindle and their credit card debt grows. Inflation has eased but many
It’s the holiday season, but not everyone is merry and bright. That’s because holiday shoppers are paying higher prices and seeing a few more empty shelves this year thanks to a “global supply chain crisis” – a phrase that’s become all-too-familiar at dinner conversations. And as Americans continue to face empty shelves and rising prices
Buoyed by solid hiring, healthy pay gains and substantial savings, shoppers are returning to stores and splurging on all types of items. But the big question is: How much will supply shortages, higher prices and staffing issues dampen their mood this holiday season? Americans, already fatigued with pandemic-induced social distancing policies, may get grumpy if
After 19 months, this Arizona border city will reopen Monday to nonessential travelers from Mexico, giving its 20,000 residents hope that business – and life – may return to pre-pandemic normal. Fully vaccinated Mexicans will be able to shop just in time for the holidays, normally a booming time of year, when, pre-pandemic, Nogales averaged
Fully vaccinated non-essential travelers will be allowed to cross the U.S. border from Mexico starting in November, ending nearly 20 months of pandemic restrictions that were choking businesses in border communities. No specific date was given for when the restrictions will be lifted, but the long-awaited announcement was welcomed by area officials, who have been repeatedly disappointed