Reactionaries? Make That ‘Collectors’

February 5th, 2010

Reactionaries? Make That ‘Collectors’
Decades after the Cultural Revolution, China has reversed its attitude toward antiques, and the market has become hot.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Despite Crisis Efforts, Toyota’s Consumer Perception Plummets (BrandWeek)
With every recall Toyota has announced, consumer perception of the heralded brand has taken a worse hit. Despite the PR campaign by Toyota’s president & CEO Jim Lentz (pictured) addressing consumers, the automaker is still facing pretty stiff headwinds.
Source: brandweek.com

Letters: Saluting Solutions
Re “When Moths Make a Home in Yours” by Arianne Cohen (The Fix, Jan. 28)


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Canadian consumer confidence surveys offer mixed messages (MalaysiaNews.net)
OTTAWA — Two surveys released Monday provided two very different views of Canadian consumer confidence in January, with one saying confidence took a hit, while the other one said sentiment was at nea…
Source: feeds.malaysianews.net

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Profit From These Consumer Trends in 2010 (The Motley Fool)

January 28th, 2010

Profit From These Consumer Trends in 2010 (The Motley Fool)
Consumer spending could lag the economy, even in a recovery.
Source: www.fool.com

U.K. Consumer Confidence Sees Small Improvement In January (INO News)
(RTTNews) – British consumer confidence improved moderately in January, a survey conducted by market research firm GfK NOP showed on Friday. The consumer confidence index stood at minus 17 in January compared to minus 19 in the previous month.
Source: news.ino.com

Japan Consumer Prices Continue To Fall In December (INO News)
(RTTNews) – Japan’s core consumer prices dropped 1.3% year-on-year in December compared to the 1.7% fall in the preceding month, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications reported on Friday. Economists had expected a 1.7% decline.
Source: news.ino.com

U.K. Consumer Confidence Grown In January (INO News)
(RTTNews) – Consumer confidence in Great Britain improved in January, but remained in negative territory. The GfK NOP survey firm reported Friday that its U.K. Consumer Confidence index improved two points to minus-17 in November.
Source: news.ino.com

Japan Consumer Prices Fall 1.3%, 10th Monthly Decline (Update1) (Bloomberg)
Jan. 29 (Bloomberg) — Japan’s consumer prices fell for a 10th month in December, underscoring concern that deflation remains a threat to the economic recovery.
Source: www.bloomberg.com

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Obama to insist on consumer financial body: White House (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

January 21st, 2010

Obama to insist on consumer financial body: White House (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
President Barack Obama will insist a new consumer protection agency stays at the heart of the overhaul of financial regulation he seeks, the White House said on Wednesday, despite suffering a serious political setback in the Senate.
Source: news.yahoo.com

Currents | Décor: Designers of an Ottoman
Mary Little and Peter Wheeler, who work under the name Bius Studio, are approaching the consumer market for the first time with a limited-edition collection of ottomans.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

International Real Estate: House Hunting in … Austria
While prices in many parts of the world faltered or even plummeted in 2009, prices in many parts of Austria stayed strong.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Obama to insist on consumer financial body: White House (AsiaOne)
WASHINGTON, USA – U.S. President Barack Obama will insist a new consumer protection agency stays at the heart of the overhaul of financial regulation he seeks, the White House said on Wednesday, despite suffering a serious political setback in the Senate.
Source: www.asiaone.com

Letters: Pictures Tell the Story
To the Editor:.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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The Puppy Diaries: It Takes More Than Paper to Raise a Puppy

January 13th, 2010

New dog owners sometimes don’t realize how much love, care, time and patience it takes to raise a puppy.

read more here….

Consumer confidence in the Buffalo Niagara region remains pretty glum, although it is higher than the same time last year. read more here….

Consumers especially women felt slightly more stress concerning their debt during December, but the increase was relatively small considering their holiday shopping spree.The Consumer Debt Stress Index was up less than 2 percent during December, to 119.8 from its November value of 118. … read more here….

To the Editor:.

read more here….

Based on plastics diverted from solid waste streams through recycling programs, PCC Compounds are available in nylon, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate resins, as well as alloys based on these post-consumer feedstocks. Percentage of reclaimed material in polymer component can range from 1-100%, depending on application. Contributing to EPEAT or LEED scoring, environmentally conscious … read more here….

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Currents | Online: Beyond Light, a Sister Site

January 6th, 2010

Currents | Online: Beyond Light, a Sister Site
Yliving.com, a new Web site from the company that runs Ylighting.com, carries some 2,000 pieces of furniture and home accessories.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Currents | Décor: Bring in the Reinforcements
Like many Japanese products, Shigeki Fujishiro’s Eiffel Stool is good for small spaces.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence: Thai Optimism Rebounds (Thaipr.net)
Thai consumers are approaching the next six months with more optimism than the previous three years surveyed, according to the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence survey. Thailand
Source: www.thaipr.net

LETTERS: Recovery’s Home
To the Editor:.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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Currents | Online: Recycled Jugs Seen in a New Light

December 29th, 2009

Currents | Online: Recycled Jugs Seen in a New Light
Richard Donnelly was one of many readers who submitted pictures of holiday lighting to NYTimes.com.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Consumer confidence in 2nd straight boost (CNN Money)
A key measure of consumer confidence rose for a second straight month in December, a research group said Tuesday, with outlook for the next few months reaching a 2-year high.
Source: money.cnn.com

LETTERS: Case of the Lost Books
To the Editor:.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Dollar gains on consumer confidence (CNN Money)
The dollar edged up against major currencies after a report Tuesday showed consumer confidence rose in December.
Source: money.cnn.com

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Sanofi to Buy Chattem, Expand in U.S. Consumer Health (Update3) (Bloomberg)

December 22nd, 2009

Sanofi to Buy Chattem, Expand in U.S. Consumer Health (Update3) (Bloomberg)
Dec. 21 (Bloomberg) — Sanofi-Aventis SA agreed to buy Chattem Inc. , the maker of Gold Bond medicated body powder, for $1.9 billion to enter the U.S. consumer health care market.
Source: www.bloomberg.com

German GfK Consumer Confidence Drops More Than Expected In January (INO News)
(RTTNews) – German consumer confidence deteriorated more than expected in January, a monthly survey from GfK Group showed Tuesday. The forward looking consumer confidence index fell to 3.3 points for January from a revised reading of 3.6 points in the prior month.
Source: news.ino.com

Away: A Connecticut Farm, Czechoslovakia View
The director Milos Forman works nearly as much as he relaxes at his country retreat, a 64-acre estate surrounded by leafy forests.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Property Values: What You Get for … $1.3 Million
A three-bedroom Victorian in Valley Center, Calif., a condo in Seattle and a stone carriage house in Nyack, N.Y.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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Flycell CEO Named Most Visionary Consumer Services Executive in 2009 Mobile Star Awards(TM) (Marketwire)

December 14th, 2009

Alberto Montesi Wins Award for Leadership and Financial Success as Flycell Wins Best Consumer Entertainment Service read more here….

Julie Simonson always yearned to live near trees, so it’s fitting she ended up with her family in Sunnyside Gardens, Queens.

read more here….

“Responsible luxury” is how Pamela Katch, left, and Steph Katch, sisters who design furniture together in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, describe their new collection.

read more here….

A four-bedroom brick historic federal in Little Falls, N.Y., a house in Portland, Ore., and a condo in Minneapolis.

read more here….

A small mortgage market and a lack of cheap credit in Argentina has kept the property market relatively stable.

read more here….

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Consumer Group Says Popular Zhu Zhu Pets Are Unsafe (FOX 61 Chattanooga)

December 6th, 2009

A consumer group contends one of the holiday season’s must-have toys is unsafe. But the maker of the robotic Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters defended its product Saturday against a study by San Francisco-based GoodGuide that said higher-than-allowed levels of the chemical antimony were found in the toy. read more here….

You still have 20 days until Christmas, and WHAS11’s Melanie Kahn checked on consumer spending as the gift-giving draws near. read more here….

Scout’s arrival seems part of a trend: empty nesters welcoming new life.

read more here….

Consumer watchdog group says Zhu Zhu Pets has unsafe levels of antimony GoodGuide says chemical can cause cancer, lung problems Toy’s manufacturer says products are safe read more here….

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(AFX UK Focus) 2009-11-28 16:37 Callebaut hopes to sell consumer business in 2010 (Interactive Investor)

November 28th, 2009

GENEVA, Nov 28 (Reuters) – Barry Callebaut, the world’s biggest chocolate maker, is still determined to sell its consumer business and hopes to clinch a deal in 2010, its chief executive was quoted on Saturday as saying. Selling chocolate to consumers had no place in Callebaut’s business-to-business strategy and was in any case less profitable, Juergen Steinemann said in an interview with Swiss … read more here….

A three-bedroom home in Stuyvesant, N.Y., a condo in Miami Beach, and a brick town house in Cincinnati.

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Sales at Ikea, More North and others.

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KUALA LUMPUR: A consumer organisation said yesterday the people must be eased into accepting the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST). read more here….

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UPS Tops ‘Climate Counts’ Scorecard For Consumer Shipping (Journal of Commerce Online)

November 21st, 2009

ATLANTA, Nov. 19, 2009 – UPS (NYSE:UPS) has earned the top score in the consumer shipping sector of the annual “Climate Counts” scorecard and also was rated No. 11 among all 143 ranked companies. read more here….

A conversation with the Dutch design star, whose multimedia exhibition opens at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Sunday.

read more here….

(RTTNews) – Friday, he National Bank of Belgium said in a report that the consumer confidence indicator stood at minus 10 in November, up from minus 12 in October. A year ago, the index was minus 22. read more here….

With Thanksgiving dinner fast approaching, the woodworker Palo Samko shopped for folding chairs that are functional and stylish.

read more here….

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At Home With Maryalice Huggins: Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall

November 13th, 2009

For Maryalice Huggins, old things — particularly fine antiques — are living, breathing beings. Some radiate irresistible allure.

read more here….

NEW YORK — Consumer sentiment fell in early November amid a grim outlook for future job prospects, although separate data showing rising imports in September raised some hopes of renewed U.S. economic growth. read more here….

Toronto’s main stock index lost ground on Friday as weak consumer sentiment data from the United States battled with strength in Suncor Energy and other oil producers. read more here….

Dan Pearson’s new book, “Spirit: Garden Inspiration” (Fuel; $45), provides a gentle ramble not through Mr. Pearson’s projects, but through his life and mind as a garden maker.

read more here….

Lucy Slivinski, a sculptor in Chicago, makes lighting fixtures out of salvaged metal scraps.

read more here….

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Seen: Beauty at the Ball

November 5th, 2009

The theme of the New York Design Center Masquerade Ball was 1930s musicals, and members of a few design firms came identically costumed.

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MEXICO CITY (Dow Jones)–Mexico’s consumer confidence fell to a new low in October as consumers remained pessimistic despite indications of an incipient economic recovery. read more here….

You Call That Art?.

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Charles Scharf, head of retail banking at JPMorgan Chase, sees the company’s consumer lending portfolio declining by as much as 15% over the next year. read more here….

A bit of light glimmers through the October same-store sales that retailers are reporting this week, according to analysis by consultants Retail Forward of sales at 30 retailers. And that little glimmer also shows up in Retail Forward’s monthly consumer survey. read more here….

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Currents | Deals: Floor Samples, Lightly Used

October 29th, 2009

Currents | Deals: Floor Samples, Lightly Used
Sales at B&B Italia, the web site Atocha Design and more.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Best Cars Are Toyota, Honda, Ford, Says Consumer Reports (Time Magazine)
Consumer Reports magazine ranks Ford as equal to Toyota and Honda in its reliability survey of new cars
Source: www.time.com

In Sicily, Renovating a Cave
Amid the fabled 100 churches in Modica, Italy, architects William Brockschmidt and Richard Dragisic found a second home.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

‘Consumer Reports’: Ford improves in reliability ratings (USA Today)
Models from Japanese brands took the top spots in nine of the 10 product categories in Consumer Reports’ closely watched annual reliability survey out Tuesday. Mercedes-Benz GLK was tops among luxury SUVs, edging out two Lexus RX models.
Source: www.usatoday.com

Reps. Frank, Waxman square off over new consumer agency (The Hill)
Democratic Reps. Henry Waxman and Barney Frank, powerful committee chairmen, are clashing over a bill that creates a consumer financial protection agency. Read more…
Source: thehill.com

U.S. Consumer Data Drags on Asian Stock Markets (New York Times)
Asian stock markets slipped on Wednesday, with technology shares in Japan dropping after weaker-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence data.
Source: www.nytimes.com

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A look at the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (AP via Yahoo! News)

October 21st, 2009

A look at legislation by the House Financial Services Committee to create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, or CFPA: read more here….

Consumer prices were 0.9% lower compared with September 2008, after an annual decline of 0.8% in August, according to a Statistics Canada report Thursday. Market consensus was for a 0.8% drop for … read more here….

( University of Michigan ) A University of Michigan survey released today shows widespread consumer interest in buying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. But the cost of the cars is much more influential than environmental and other non-economic factors as a predictor of purchase probabilities. read more here….

A University of Michigan survey released today shows widespread consumer interest in buying plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). read more here….

Brisbane – A rise in consumer confidence, supported by the Australian government’s stimulus packages, should continue to boost wine sales for global beverage firm Foster’s Group Ltd in the months ahead. read more here….

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A House as a Symbol of Openness

October 14th, 2009

Brian W. Casey, the president of DePauw University, has reinvented the traditional college president’s house by opening it up to students.

read more here….

Geithner Endorses Consumer, Derivatives Bill read more here….

Oct. 14 (Bloomberg) — Asian stocks rose, driving the MSCI Asia Pacific Index to a 13-month high, after China’s export decline slowed, Australian consumer sentiment jumped and Intel Corp. forecast sales that beat analyst estimates. read more here….

Oct. 14 (Bloomberg) — Asian stocks rose, driving the MSCI Asia Pacific Index to a 13-month high, after a decline in China’s exports slowed, Australian consumer sentiment jumped and Intel Corp. forecast sales that beat analyst estimates. read more here….

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Russian Consumer Prices Rise In September (INO News)

October 6th, 2009

(RTTNews) – Russia’s consumer prices rose 10.7% year-on-year in September, the Federal State Statistics Service said Tuesday. A year ago, in September, consumer prices climbed 15%. read more here….

Possible lifeline for not-spot dwellers Punters should be able to sign a mobile contract then revoke it if the coverage isn’t up to scratch, according to recommendations from The Communications Consumer Panel.… The power of collaboration within unified communications read more here….

A four-bedroom house on a golf course in Palm Springs, Calif., and homes in Lumberville, Pa., and Tarpley, Tex.

read more here….

MOSCOW, Oct 6 (Reuters) – Russian consumer confidence strengthened in the third quarter, statistics data showed on Tuesday, in a further sign that the worst of the country’s first recession in a decade may have passed. read more here….

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Tech, Consumer Sectors Draw Attention in 4Q (Fox News)

September 28th, 2009

Tech, Consumer Sectors Draw Attention in 4Q (Fox News)
As the U.S. consumer begins to show signs of life and the nation continues to seek a resolution on health-care reform, analysts are betting the technology, consumer and medical sectors will be ones to watch in the fourth quarter.
Source: feeds.foxbusiness.com

Currents | Goods: Conran Hears You on Its Prices
Conran Shop is introducing Well Considered, a collection of lower-priced furniture and home accessories.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

In the Garden: The Grass Is Greener at Harvard
The grass at Harvard University is now being grown organically, without the use of synthetic nitrogen, the base of most commercial fertilizers.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

The Puppy Diaries: Scout Sniffs Out City Life
Scout has made two trips into Manhattan, and both forays presented difficult challenges.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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What are you getting? Consumer behavior in restaurants (PhysOrg)

September 21st, 2009

What are you getting? Consumer behavior in restaurants (PhysOrg)
Consumers follow a predictable pattern when it comes to ordering food and drinks, according new study in the Journal of Consumer Research. It seems people in groups tend to seek variety when making initial orders, then gravitate toward similar choices, and then, as the group consensus grows, to move away from popular choices.
Source: www.physorg.com

What are you getting? Consumer behavior in restaurants (EurekAlert!)
( University of Chicago Press Journals ) Consumers follow a predictable pattern when it comes to ordering food anddrinks, according new study in the Journal of Consumer Research. It seemspeople in groups tend to seek variety when making initial orders, then gravitatetoward similar choices, and then, as the group consensus grows, to move awayfrom popular choices.
Source: www.eurekalert.org

Letters: Defining Priorities
To the Editor:.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Shopping With Abigail Ahern: Dripping With Style
The interior designer and London storeowner Abigail Ahern shopped for unexpected umbrella stands that add whimsy to rainy days.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Currents | Deals: Save, From Brooklyn to Los Angeles
Sales at Future Perfect, Antiques 202, Archipelago and a group of antiques stores in Los Angeles.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

Ford’s Mulally To Open 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (Nasdaq)
DETROIT -(Dow Jones)- Ford Motor Co. (F) Chief Executive Alan Mulally will make a repeat appearance as a keynote speaker at the Consumer Electronics Show, underscoring the auto maker’s desire to create a high-tech image.
Source: www.nasdaq.com

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Worldwide Food Expo 2009 To Feature Sessions On Consumer Trends (FoodOnline)

September 14th, 2009

Worldwide Food Expo 2009 To Feature Sessions On Consumer Trends (FoodOnline)
What new products are capturing the attention of consumers? Where are people buying groceries today? What buzz words are influencing consumer spending? Worldwide Food Expo 2009 will offer a series of educational sessions focused on consumer trends during the show, which will be held October 28-31 at McCormick Place in Chicago in October 2009.
Source: www.foodonline.com

Retailers and Suppliers Expect Consumer Spending to Trail Financial Markets Recovery (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)
NEW YORK—-Faced with one of the most challenging years on record, retailers and those who supply them believe that consumer spending will lag the turnaround of the U.S. financial markets.
Source: biz.yahoo.com

PCBS: Palestinian Consumer Price Index Increased by 1.11% in August 2009 (Palestine News Agency)
RAMALLAH, September 14, 2009 (WAFA)- The Overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Palestinian Territory with its 2004 base year (2004=100) reached 125.60 in August 2009, a 1.11% Increase compared with July 2009, and increased by 2.43% compared with August 2008, Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) reported.
Source: english.wafa.ps

Shopping With | Scott Henderson: Cleaning Up the Trash
The industrial designer Scott Henderson searched for garbage cans that don’t look like junk.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

The Puppy Diaries: Spare the Treats, Spoil the Training?
Jill Abramson’s husband, who has been on the frontlines during the summer of Scout’s basic training, shares his evolving views on training.


Source: feeds.nytimes.com

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