Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft Opens With Strong Attendance

More than 1500 companies pre-registered for the August show, an increase of 26% over 2008. www.americancraft.com. Email press release from American Craft Council, August 2, 2008

Essex County Reports Increase in Sales Tax Revenues

County Treasurer Michael Diskin reported to the July 21 Essex County Board of Supervisors meeting that revenue from sales tax are up 4.3 percent for the year in comparison to the year before. County Hears Reports From Committees, Free Trader Today, July 28, 2008, p.1

Mall Traffic Is On The Decline

Mall traffic is on the decline as consumers stay closer to home to shop, rather than head to highway locations or cities where larger shopping centers are typically located. ... At the same time, discount chain Family Dollar Stores Inc. has said its rural locations are outperforming the chain as a whole, as more consumers shop locally. All Business: Gas prices spur consumer buying change, by Rachel Beck, AP Business Writer, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, July 25, 2008, p.10