The Associated Press has this report, posted at USA Today: Shoppers to face prices up to 15 percent higher for holiday presents, goods.
A snippet:
Christmas in July? Maybe not a bad idea this year.
Retailers are already talking about price increases of up to 15% this year on holiday goods, from staples like tree ornaments and toys […]

The Detroit News has this story today: Gift cards to be good for five years.
A snippet:
Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed into law a package of bills requiring stores to accept gift cards and certificates for up to five years after they are issued, and to clearly disclose all terms and conditions when they are sold.
The […]

A story for page 1A of today’s print and e-editions of The Monroe Evening News has this headline: Economy, price affecting fireworks sales, but some still popular.
A snippet:
The Cousino family has operated its fireworks store for 20 years at 8219 S. Telegraph Rd. While sales might not be as high as previous years, fireworks are […]

A lot of summer picnic products are on sale this week because of the July 4 holiday and retailers getting ready to clear out summer merchandise.
You’ll be smart to take advantage of these prices and stock up this week on any picnic stuff you’ll need later in the summer - Do you have a family […]

With July 4 holiday approaching, there’s a good selection of red, white and blue bunting, flags, table linens, picnic gear and such in the retail stores. Since the designs are classic and timeless, you can add to a patriotic decor collection year after year, especially if you select re-usable products rather than paper goods.
But pay […]

Friday before Memorial Day is a very predictable day for summer travel stories.
The first holiday weekend of the summer becomes the weekend that summer cottages are traditionally opened for the season. It’s also when enough extended family members have the same day off that a family reunion or camping trip or wedding or birthday party […]

Are you staying close to home this holiday weekend because of gas prices or the economy? Don’t worry about being bored. There are lots of things to do in Monroe or nearby cities this weekend, and many of them are free.
Michelle posts an events and entertainment roundup Thursdays at Pop Culture Checklist; and in the […]

Upon further review of the coupon stash in my home-delivery edition of The Monroe Evening News - here are two traditional Mother’s Day gift ideas where you can save some moola. Perhaps Mom taught you a thing or two about finding great deals?
There are $5 off coupons for any Teleflora bouquet for Mother’s Day in […]

If you normally get a bouquet or basket of flowers for Mom on Mother’s Day, start paying attention to the promotions and advertisements now rather than waiting until the last minute to make your selections.
There are some pretty good deals blooming at the local florists.
For example, there is a coupon on page 5A of today’s […]

Crafts 2000, 15311 S. Dixie Hwy., Monroe Township, is hosting free make-it, take-it sessions for Mother’s Day cards from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday May 3 and Sunday May 4.
Details are at the MonroeTalks calendar.