Retail and Shopping
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Painting brick buildings a popular trend, but not with preservationistsJan 14, 2026 4:00 am - Painting over brick is way to bring older buildings “back to life” and give a downtown streetscape a new look, but historic preservationists advise against it.
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Bargain grocer Aldi seizes the moment and expands with consumers hurting
Jan 13, 2026 9:16 am - The discount grocery chain Aldi is expanding rapidly and plans to open more than 180 U.S. stores this year as more Americans skip nights out at restaurants and cook at ho...
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Don’t trash that battery: Rechargeables and others being accepted for recycling under new state lawJan 11, 2026 8:45 pm - With the groundwork for a new state law done and mechanisms in place, consumers now have places to take batteries rather than have them rolling around in kitchen drawers or gathering dust in the garage.
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Trump store moving to Crystal Lake after eviction proceedings in Huntley
Jan 08, 2026 9:35 am - The Trump and Truth Store is moving to Crystal Lake after the proprietor faced eviction from her former storefront in Huntley.
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Why your holiday gift returns might go to a landfill and what you can do about it
Dec 30, 2025 3:16 pm - The busiest time of the year for product returns is just beginning. The National Retail Federation estimates 17% of holiday purchases will be sent back this year. These returns come with an environmental cost, but there's a lot consumers and companies are doing to minimize it.
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US economy expands at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter
Dec 23, 2025 7:58 am - The U.S. economy economy expanded at a surprisingly strong 4.3% annual rate in the third quarter as consumer spending, exports and government spending all grew.
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DIY crafters flock to makerspaces to create custom holiday giftsDec 22, 2025 7:01 pm - Makerspaces are experiencing a surge in activity this holiday season as people look to create personalized, handmade gifts and save money.
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Department stores try to distinguish themselves as beauty lovers turn to TikTok and Amazon
Dec 22, 2025 9:50 am - Competition among retailers for a slice of the $129 billion U.S. beauty and personal care market is fiercer than ever due to the ease of e-commerce and the advice shoppers seek on social media instead of in stores.
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The Biz Week That Was: Bears stadium plan up in the air, data centers glitch, and grocery store rebootDec 20, 2025 12:39 pm - Pride and joy of Northwest Indiana? Bears president floats move as deal for Arlington Park stalls Stymied by hopes of a property tax break and infrastructure dollars...
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BBB alert: Extreme winter weather an opportunity for scammersDec 18, 2025 2:26 pm - Extreme weather is the perfect storm for scams. The Better Business Bureau warns the public to be extra cautious heading into winter this Sunday.