Uncertain Season
The Leader-Herald/Bill TrojanAimee Ricciardi, owner, Country Cupboard in Johnstown, makes a few adjustments on a colorful winter display at the store on Monday.
Some think the holiday season is in danger of being a difficult one, while others see this year as a potential respite from previously difficult winters. But regardless of one’s opinion on the holiday shopping season, business owners and officials say they hope local businesses are able to stay afloat throughout Christmas and New Year’s in the midst of a challenging recession. “I think everyone’s a little nervous,” Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Wally Hart said. “We’re certainly hopeful. We’re going to do our part as a chamber to direct as many people as possible to our stores and to our location.” ShopperTrak, a retail research firm, predicted that total holiday sales will rise 1.6 percent compared with a year ago. And a recent survey from the state Retail Council said 58 percent of business-owning respondents anticipate their 2009 holiday season sales will be the same or better than their 2008 holiday season sales.
» Full StoryBottle law expands
With the new bottle bill going into effect last week, local retailers said the added work dealing with the additional bottles may be a pain, but it shouldn’t have hugely detrimental effect on their busines.
» Full StoryHealthy Business
JOHNSTOWN — Randy Siegle was painting the inside of his North Comrie Avenue store before it opened in August when he started to see little notes and packages on his doorknob every day he showed up for work.
» Full Story100 Years Strong
ST. JOHNSVILLE — Diane Burkdorf-Littrell was a law clerk in Canajoharie from 1971 through 1976, while her husband ran their family business, C.H. Burkdorf & Son.
» Full StoryPrice Drop
With the cost of nearly everything else rising steadily, local residents should expect a welcome break in an unlikely area — their home heating bill this winter.
» Full StoryFighting Fraud
Evamarie Mraz got quite the education from what was supposed to be a large sneaker order.
» Full Story



