Consuming Interests
Retailers expanding globally turn to developing markets

Retailers expanding globally turn to developing markets

Retailers plagued by slow sales might want to seek customers outside the U.S. -- places, for instance, such as Brazil, Chile and Uruguay.

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Microsoft and Best Buy create store within a store

Microsoft and Best Buy create store within a store

Microsoft Corp. and Best Buy Co. are teaming up to create a store within a store.

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Baltimore County joins fight against financial exploitation of older Americans

Baltimore County joins fight against financial exploitation of older Americans

Recently, there’s been a lot of focus on the financial exploitation of older adults.

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IKEA plans midsummer buffet in stores Friday

IKEA plans midsummer buffet in stores Friday

It's not summer solstice yet, but home goods retailer IKEA is jumping in a week early to mark the longest day of the year.

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Dad's value goes up this Father's Day

Dad's value goes up this Father's Day

You can’t put a value on a father’s love, but apparently you can put a price on the chores he does around the house.

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Red Robin Gourmet Burgers hiring 100 for new Crofton restaurant

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers hiring 100 for new Crofton restaurant

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is opening a restaurant in Crofton, where it plans to hire more than 100 workers.

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CFPB: Consumers can pay steeply for overdraft protection

CFPB: Consumers can pay steeply for overdraft protection

After years of consumers paying steep fees for overdraft protection that, in some cases, they didn't even ask for, the government stepped in three years ago. Now, banks must get consumers OK — or opt-in —  before covering ATM and debit card transactions when the customer’s balance is too low.

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The best and worst deals in June

The best and worst deals in June

This is not the month to buy a new grill, according to a list of the best and worst things to buy in June. But, really, who’s thinking outdoor barbecue in January?

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National Doughnut Day, get your freebies

National Doughnut Day, get your freebies

As a lover of doughnuts, I'm surprised I didn't know this. But apparently, National Doughnut Day is today. It's an annual holiday that goes back to 1938 as -- according to different sources -- a fundraiser or to honor the women of the Salvation Army who served doughnuts during WWI, or both.

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Get a rebate for fixing, replacing your air conditioner

Get a rebate for fixing, replacing your air conditioner

Worried about your air conditioner getting through the summer? See if Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. rebates could help with a tune-up or replacement.

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Jos. A. Bank Clothiers CEO unveils strategy to reverse sales slowdown

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers CEO unveils strategy to reverse sales slowdown

Regular customers of Jos. A. Bank Clothiers are shopping in the chain's stores less often than usual. And this year, consumers have bought fewer items at lower prices than in the past, leading to a sharp drop in first quarter profits for the men's apparel seller.

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Giant Food introduces prescription savings card

Giant Food introduces prescription savings card

Giant Food has launched a prescription card that’s good for discounts on prescriptions and other health-related products.

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Aldi is hiring for Harford County grocery stores

Aldi is hiring for Harford County grocery stores

Discount grocer Aldi is hiring for its two Harford County supermarkets, a new location in Aberdeen and the existing one in Edgewood.

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Ron Jon Surf Shop opens Thursday in Ocean City

Ron Jon Surf Shop opens Thursday in Ocean City

Just in time for summer, Ron Jon Surf Shop is opening Thursday in Ocean City, two blocks from the beach.

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BBB of Greater Maryland warns of fake websites

BBB of Greater Maryland warns of fake websites

The Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland is warning against online fraud by scammers pretending to be a legitimate business website.

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Hurricane season is here — are you ready?

Hurricane season is here — are you ready?

Officially, hurricane season runs from June through the end of November. And according to the experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, this season might be stormier than usual.

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Free admission to American Visionary Art Museum  for BofA customers

Free admission to American Visionary Art Museum for BofA customers

With temperatures in the 90s, what better time to visit an air-conditioned museum?

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Protect against shady movers that inflate prices, hold belongings hostage

Protect against shady movers that inflate prices, hold belongings hostage

This is typically the busiest month for moving in the year. If you’re one of those people who will be on the move soon, make sure you check out the company that will be transporting your belongings.

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Weis launches sale on dairy for National Dairy Month

Weis launches sale on dairy for National Dairy Month

June is National Dairy Month, and that means special deals on dairy section items at Weis Markets.

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Harbor East's shopping evolution accelerates

Harbor East's shopping evolution accelerates

Deborah Seymour lives in Federal Hill. But working at Laureate Education Inc. and shopping and dining in Harbor East means much of her life happens on the other side of the harbor.

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Shoppers spend more than planned at warehouse clubs, report says

Shoppers spend more than planned at warehouse clubs, report says

You're heading out the door for that monthly (or weekly) trip to Costco or BJ's Wholesale Club and a chance for some big savings. 

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Study says moms  are the primary earners in 4 out of 10 households

Study says moms are the primary earners in 4 out of 10 households

Mothers are the primary breadwinners in four out of 10 U.S. households with minor children, a record number driven up by growing populations of single moms and married women who make more than their husbands, according to a report released Wednesday from the Pew Research Center. 

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Domino's opens 'Pizza Theater' carryout in Hamilton

Domino's opens 'Pizza Theater' carryout in Hamilton

Domino's Pizza still delivers. But more and more, customers want to stop in and pick up a pizza to go.

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Destination XL, men's plus-size apparel store, opens in Towson

Destination XL, men's plus-size apparel store, opens in Towson

Men's apparel retailer Destination XL opened a new store in Towson today, catering to men who wear extra large sizes.

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Experian: Women better at handling money than men

Experian: Women better at handling money than men

Surveys indicate that men tend to handle the investments for the family. But when it comes to managing other money matters, women might be the better choice.

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Smoothie King targets Baltimore with plans for 10 more locations

Smoothie King targets Baltimore with plans for 10 more locations

Expect to see a lot more Smoothie Kings pop up over the next couple of years.

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Howard County Police warn elderly residents about financial scams

Police in Howard County are warning elderly residents to watch out for financial scams.

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IRS closed today

IRS closed today

As part of the sequester to cut federal spending, the IRS will be closed today. Offices, toll-free hotlines, the taxpayer advocate service and hundreds of taxpayer assistance centers — closed.

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Target's bridal gown collection [Pictures]

Target's bridal gown collection [Pictures]

Brides on a budget, have I got news for you. Target has expanded their Tevolio collection to include bridal gowns, ranging in price from $69.99 to $129.99. The store started offering bridesmaids gowns under the Tevolio brand last year. Fun fact: Tevolio is styled after the Italian phrase "Ti voglio," which translates to "I love you." This new foray into bridal indicates Target wants to be a one-stop shop for all things wedding - from invitations and thank yous, to decorations and gowns. The dresses are simple, modern and clean - probably well suited for a casual, outdoor affair. If you were considering getting your dress at another retail store, like J.Crew or Ann Taylor (who also have great collections with a similar aesthetic), it may be worth giving these Target gowns a look. -- Olivia Hubert-Allen

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Nonprofit to offer financial group therapy in Baltimore

Nonprofit to offer financial group therapy in Baltimore

Sometimes it helps to share your goals and setbacks with others in similar straits.

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Domino's Pizza hiring 200 in Baltimore area

Domino's Pizza hiring 200 in Baltimore area

Domino's Pizza is growing in the Baltimore area. And it's looking to hire.

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BJ's to sell gas for $2.50 gallon to kick off summer

BJ's to sell gas for $2.50 gallon to kick off summer

Gas won’t get any cheaper than this.

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Consumer group warns of auto sale scams in new documentary

Consumer group warns of auto sale scams in new documentary

It won’t win an Oscar, but this movie could be useful if you’re in the market for a car.

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ABOUT THE BLOGGERS


Lorraine Mirabella has been writing for The Sun since 1986 and counts retail among her favorite beats. She's become accustomed to hanging out at stores and approaching strangers to get a peek at their purchases. Now, she writes about the workplace as well as consumer affairs.

Michelle Deal-Zimmerman came to Baltimore 10 years ago after working as a reporter and editor in Florida. A native of South Florida, Michelle has traveled a lot farther north than she ever expected. Still, she visits The Sunshine State so frequently it feels like she never left.

Eileen Ambrose has been writing about taxes, retirement, saving for college and other consumer issues for The Baltimore Sun since 1999. She currently covers banking, financial services and personal finance.

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