M&S cuts 1,000 jobs as fashion sales dive (Times Online)

High street fashion retailers were the first big losers of 2009 as Britain returned to work yesterday to face the worst employment prospects in a generation.

Waterford Wedgwood becomes the latest business to face collapse (Daily Telegraph)

More than two centuries of British industry and up to 2000 jobs are in jeopardy as Waterford Wedgwood became the latest business to call in receivers as it placed some of its UK subsidiaries into administration.

Lower gas cost a boon to both buyers, dealers (Lebanon Daily News)

When it comes to gasoline, Donnalee Matthias is a comparison shopper. The Lebanon woman checks prices at several gas stations near her home, including the East Lehman Street Turkey Hill, the North Lebanon Township Wal-Mart and Lukoil on East Cumberland Street.

Obama excitement could quell some recession fears (BizJournals)

Despite entering 2009 beset by the worst consumer recession in decades, the local retail and tourism industries are expecting a nice boost from the presidential inauguration and change of administrations.

Pawnshops around U.S. see surge in well-to-do clients (Baltimore Sun)

Number of first-time pawnshop users is up 10% At Society Hill Loan, a pawnshop in a middle-class neighborhood here, a steady rain fell outside as a fashionably dressed young man parked his Cadillac Escalade outside. Looking around warily, he came in to speak with Nat Leonard, co-owner of the store.