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Consumer Stories
Consumer Stories

On track for record-breaking holiday shopping

If you felt crowded over the five days of the holiday shopping this year, there is a good reason for that. A new report says a record 202.9 million consumers were out in force from Thanksgiving Day to Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, through Sunday, and on into Cyber Monday. That number is based on a consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. That broke the previous record of 200.4 million, set in 2023. NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay, during a virtual

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 4, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Learning from National Signing Day (Recruiting) and the Transfer Portal (Retention)

Publisher’s Note: Yes, Georgia is squaring off against Alabama this Saturday. It’s a busy week for College Football, including what is happening tomorrow. It’s “National Signing Day,” when this year’s star high school football seniors officially sign a commitment to the college of their choice. It’s tied in to the job market in Augusta as well! While there is another such signing day on February 4, 2026, a large majority will sign tomorrow to get an early start, including potentially enrolling at their college for the Spring Semester.  This National

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Dr. Rick Franza, AU Hull College Professor December 2, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

CSRA businesses hope to raise $200k plus this holiday season

You may have noticed the iconic red kettles out over Black Friday weekend. Recently, the Salvation Army of Augusta kicked off its annual campaign at an area business event. Volunteers are set up outside area stores like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Hobby Lobby, Bass Pro Shop, Food Lion, and others. Last year’s campaign collected more than $200,000. “All that money stays here local, and that helps support the Center of Hope, where, over the last three years, we’ve been able to move 400 people from homelessness into housing,” Major Jonathan Raymer,

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Dana Lynn McIntyre December 1, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Cyber Monday Special Offer

Cyber Monday Special Offer Kickstart December with their exclusive Cyber Monday offer! Today only, get three discounted 50-minute stretch sessions to use during a 30-day trial. Whether you want to boost mobility, ease muscle tension, or stay consistent with your wellness routine through the holidays, this limited-time pack is the perfect way to move and feel better. Feel refreshed, restored, and ready to take on the season. Have Questions or Need Help? Call StretchLab Evans: 762-895-9522

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Neil Gordon November 30, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Small CSRA businesses ready to take center stage for holiday shopping

The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicted holiday sales could top $1 trillion this year. This Saturday is when small CSRA businesses step into the spotlight, hoping to grab some of those sales. Small Business Saturday, also known as Shop Small Saturday, was the brainchild of American Express in 2010. Business leaders everywhere promote the day, urging shoppers to support local small businesses. Angie Cox, President and CEO of the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce, told ABD 90% of chamber members have 50 employees or fewer. “They literally are what make

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Dana Lynn McIntyre November 26, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

Simon Says: Long-Term Economic Growth

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the delayed September jobs report last week. Employment growth was strong, with 119,000 new jobs created, but the unemployment rate edged up to 4.4%. There is no indication, yet, when metro-level data will be made available. For my economic forecast next week, I will therefore look at some more long-term drivers of economic growth as well as some current policies. Obviously, tariffs have been in the economic news this year, and an analysis of their impact in Georgia will be presented. The current administration

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Dr. Simon Medcalfe, AU Economics Professor November 25, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Something else “Blooming” in Martinez

The popular Blooms and Boards and More store on Furys Ferry Road has moved to Martinez with a new focus and a new name— all created by the same entrepreneur. Angie Hood just opened Angie’s Kitchen in the same plaza as Dixie Lock N Safe and Martinez Gold on Washington Road and Davis Road across from McDonald’s. It’s in the former location as Canales Deli, so the build-out was minimal. Hood is serving grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and sides for lunch pick up or dinner reheating, and taking some of

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Neil Gordon November 24, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

Local Golf Car Manufacturer brings news, music, and tech to 2026 Vehicles

Instead of driving to a concert, E-Z-GO® is bringing the concert to some golf cars and utility vehicles for the 2026 model year. It’s in the form of an onboard, connected technology package that offers riders instant access to music, entertainment, and information while on a ride. The following is available on E-Z-GO RXV, ® E-Z-GO Express, ™ and Liberty™ vehicles. One of the components is the above 28-inch ECOXGEAR Elite soundbar. There are eight marine-grade speakers, a protection rating against water and dust intrusion, and it is shockproof to withstand

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Neil Gordon November 21, 2025 No Comments
Consumer Stories

FREE mixed martial arts time before new facility is ready

As a 43-year-old mixed martial arts company plans expansion to North Augusta, it is offering free workouts at an existing location for new members of the nearly completed center. Seigler’s Karate is offering free workouts at its Evans location while construction continues until opening in January in North Augusta. It is family-run, featuring different generations of the Seigler clan. Seigler’s offers classes in six different categories, from Lil’ Dragons to Jiu Jitsu. Seigler’s is moving into a busy shopping center on 404 E. Martintown Road, Suite 2. Jordan Trotter Commercial

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Neil Gordon November 21, 2025 No Comments
B2B Stories

The urgent need to protect healthcare in rural Georgia

Wellstar’s future Columbia County Hospital in Grovetown is likely to provide more medical care than for just people in the Metro Augusta area. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is looking for ways to protect existing healthcare facilities in rural Georgia, while also encouraging new options. One of those options will be the access to healthcare available at Wellstar Columbia County Hospital near Grovetown. The chamber event’s panel discussion that focused on healthcare was part of the Rural Prosperity Summit. The event brought together hundreds of Georgia business, political, and community

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Dana Lynn McIntyre November 20, 2025 No Comments
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