Business

Analysis: Econ. 101 by way of a toy hamster

How the Zhu Zhu Pets’ craze tells us a lot about the state of the economy. Read More

High-tech gifts: Touch and Windows 7 in fresh PC lineup

A guide to what’s fresh, ranging from “netbooks” to super-sized “all-in-one” desktop computers. Read More

Broadcast pioneer NBC prepares for cable takeover

A deal would bring the network of Johnny Carson, Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Hope and Milton Berle under the corporate control of the company that owns the Golf Channel and E! Entertainment Television. “This is highly symbolic,” a TV historian says. Read More

Chrysler showcases first wave of new models under Fiat ownership

In our continuing review of the 2010 automotive offerings, the Chrysler Corp. takes the spotlight. It is encouraging to note Chrysler USA is not waiting for the announced Fiat technological infusion, but it is showing marked improvements across the product line. Read More

Car Show Calendar

The Rockin’ Charleston Open Car & Truck Show will be held in Adams Run and in North Charleston. Registration, which is $20, is 9 a.m.-noon at 6373 Spring Grove Road in Adams Run. All cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome. Read More

Auto Action

Local technician wins windshield ‘Olympics,’ program to tout S.C. vehicles, Boone Hall show postponed

The Charleston area and South Carolina as a whole had its share of car-related events and announcements as of late. Here’s a few. Read More

All in the Family

Minivans, sport utilities – and a few sedans – prove popular for hauling kids and teenagers

The soccer mom: it’s indelibly etched in the national conscience as the ultimate road warrior taking kids to and from school, sporting events, camp — whatever. In reality, the soccer mom might be a football dad, a lacrosse grandma, or a band significant other. Read More

Gildan buys Mikasa building

Former distribution center sells for $20 million

A Canadian apparel company has purchased a cavernous vacant warehouse in Berkeley County in a deal that could provide a jolt of new business for the Port of Charleston. Read More

State's jobless rate hits 12.1%

Charleston area's figure rises to 10% in October

South Carolina's jobless rate jumped to 12.1 percent in October, matching its highest point since the recession began nearly two years ago, as employers cut staff and as out-of-work residents relaunched their job searches. Read More

A penny saved is earning you less

NEW YORK -- The U.S. finally is becoming a nation of savers. Now if only we could get something for our money. Read More

Business Briefs

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Holiday travelers take wait-and-see stance

MINNEAPOLIS -- Holiday travelers waited a little longer to book their flights this year, likely holding out for better deals and waiting to see if they would still have a job. And some aren't going at all. Read More

Q&A with Marco Cavazzoni, vice president and general manager of final assembly and delivery at Boeing Charleston.

The point man for South Carolina's new 787 plant is Marco Cavazzoni, who this month was named vice president and general manager of final assembly and delivery at Boeing Charleston. Read More

Cable giant tries to wrap up NBC

$30 billion transaction would cap decades-long rise

PHILADELPHIA -- Ralph Roberts knew he was onto something big when people ran after his cable TV trucks in Tupelo, Miss., asking for a visit to their homes. It was 1963. Roberts had been looking for new ventures after selling his belt-and-suspenders company. Read More

A Few Minutes With ... Billy Conyers

Car veteran heads new Hoover Pre-Owned Supercenter west of the Ashley

Customers this Halloween didn’t spirit away vehicles from the used car outlet at 2250 Savannah Highway, but they came close. Try autos for $5. A marketing move, Hoover Pre-Owned Supercenter attracted large crowds to the Oct. 31 event, where four motorists got the deals of a lifetime. Yet the dealership had another reason for the promotion: it’s a tough economy in the Charleston area and elsewhere, and this was a way for an established family-run business to lend a hand. Read More