“Watching the children’s delight,” is Chamber Director Robin Schallie’s favorite part of Iola’s annual Christmas Block Party. Whether it be visiting Santa, riding on the Kiwanis train or being treated with cocoa and cookies, the…

After declining for three straight months, American consumer confidence ticked up in November as the all-important holiday shopping season kicks into high gear.The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence…

As the holiday season unfolds, small businesses in Iola are gearing up for what they hope will be a festive and prosperous time. Business leaders like Jock’s Nitch Manager Amber Wood are expressing optimism about…

NEW YORK (AP) — Stores stepped up discounts and other enticements on Black Friday to entice shoppers holding out for the best deals. But retailers worry those may not be enough. Consumers are coming under…

NEW YORK (AP) — Consumers are expected to use “buy now, pay later” payment plans heavily this holiday season, a forecast that bodes well for retailers but that has credit experts again sounding alarm bells.…

Despite California’s efforts to stop the sale of flavored tobacco products, U.C. San Diego researchers say consumers have discovered a loophole: online shopping.In 2022, Senate Bill 793 went into effect, prohibiting the sale of flavored…

Businesses stayed open late to offer holiday shopping deals during Friday’s Downtown Christmas Block Party.

Shoppers turned out in droves Saturday in downtown Iola for the community’s annual Sidewalk Sale.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a buoyant sign for the U.S. economy, businesses stepped up their hiring last month as omicron faded and more Americans ventured out to spend at restaurants, shops and hotels despite surging…

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The latest COVID-19 variant is upending holiday plans for tens of thousands of travelers — but it didn’t do much damage to holiday shopping. Airlines canceled hundreds more flights Sunday, citing…