Make a good impression with a present that won’t empty your pockets. Here’s a few gift ideas that are both thoughtful and reasonably priced.

With the global recession ebbing, retailers everywhere will shortly be focused less on just keeping their heads above water and more on expansion.

Quirky, distinctive local stores always need to stay nimble to survive and thrive in the very competitive world of retail. This year, they face two additional big challenges posed by the recession. One is that shoppers will spend less this holiday season, and the other is that conditions for many are so dire that more people will shop at big-chain discounters.

This gift-giving season, $25 and under is the place to be.

The weather may be getting colder, but sales of intimate apparel are getting hotter, Maidenform CEO Maurice Reznick told CNBC.

Think someone on your holiday gift list wants zit cream for Christmas? Ink cartridges for Hanukkah? Perhaps a little Cheez Whiz for Festivus? Looks like they may get such practical gifts, whether they want them or not.

Holiday sales figures are expected to be in the doldrums this year because consumers, hit with unemployment, tighter finances and jitters about the economy, are planning to spend less on gifts. The National Retail Federation expects holiday sales to dip 1 percent, the second-worst holiday season since 1995, with two-thirds of customers saying the economy will affect their holiday plans.

Consumers will face an onslaught of elves and jolly snowmen in the coming weeks, as companies such as Target, Wal-Mart Stores and Gap boost their holiday advertising spending beyond last year’s levels.

Responding to the deaths at stores on the day after Thanksgiving last year, the National Retail Federation is issuing crowd control guidelines for retailers.

Shoppers cautiously re-emerged in October at both the low-priced and upscale ends of the market, pushing retail sales for the month up modestly from October 2008, the second straight gain after a year of declines.

Read what VP, Spokeswoman, and retail genius for NRF Ellen Davis shared as ten insights of what to expect this holiday season based largely on findings from NRF’s first holiday survey.

Small brick-and-mortar shops that rely on seasonal sales are seeking creative ways to avoid last year’s bloodbath of discounting, as cash-strapped consumers are expected to gravitate toward big-box and discount retailers.

Gift cards are poised to make a comeback this holiday season, after falling off most shopping lists last year, as retailers and other card purveyors entice U.S. shoppers with freebies and lower fees.

Retailers are expected to lose less money due to fraudulent returns of merchandise this holiday season from a year ago as stores tighten return policies, according to a survey released on Thursday.

PBS Airdate: October 27, 2009 Thanks to the down economy many people have less cash in their pockets. What are you doing about gift giving this holiday season?

We’re scheduling our television appearances for November and December 2009, and we need your help! Be on TV!

Working with your fellow local business owner can be beneficial to your business for a variety of reasons. Team up to play up your strengths, introduce your company to a new audience, or simply share the cost of operating expenses.

Donna Trimble is the owner of The Shop Around the Corner, a uniquely designed antiques boutique in Cockeysville, MD. The Shop Around the Corner sells everything from 1800’s primitive oak furniture to vintage collectibles to new whimsical pieces and everything in between. Read more to find out how in just eight months Donna made her whimsical yet special store sparkle.