Laura Kennedy

Go ahead and check out our competition, they say, betting that you won’t bother schlepping to another store after all.

New electronic transfer technologies will turn paper and coin into historical anachronisms.

Manufacturers worry that a new government information bank could become a gold mine of information for class action suits.

Firms -- and students -- that use new language-learning programs can get a leg up on their international competition.

Independent business alliances are helping small and midsize companies build markets, cut costs and boost profits.

Stores’ most important season is bound to be better than last year’s. The question is by how much.

There’s a new spin on loyalty programs -- rewards for cutting back on trash.

As the financial effects of the recession linger, higher-education institutions are making long-term changes so they, and students, get more bang for …

Consumers are still saying 'show me the discount' but in the end, they'll stock up.

State governments are joining banks in the protest over lower processing fees.

E-mailed promotions lure new customers with big discounts

Consumers will actually benefit from a new wave of consolidation, driven in part by Wal-Mart's gains.

Retailers -- except at the bottom end -- can look forward to brighter prospects.

A 50¢ credit card charge to read an article online? A buck to skip the cash register? It’s coming soon.

Companies have more ways than ever to reach customers.

Services that target ads and offers to customers around the corner offer a new inroad.

Investors are taking an interest in commercial real estate, primarily apartment and office buildings. Retail space -- not so much.

Cost cutting and lower wholesale prices should help merchants turn a profit, even though sales volume won’t give them much to cheer about.

Cable operators and advertisers believe their long-sought Holy Grail of interactive ads is in reach. But will viewers play along?

Buoyed by the federal cash for clunkers program, late summer retail sales also reflect consumers’ improved outlook.

The impact on holiday sales could hamper the recovery’s start.