Retailing:  The gym business is one in which sudden changes are common. Chains open and close, sometimes leaving members out in the cold. It's rare for one gym to undergo several changes under the same ownership.

Retailing:  With Earth Day coming up Wednesday, shoppers can prepare for an onslaught of "green" sales and promotions.

Retailing:  After 30 years working in various barbershops around the Triangle, Tracy Gregory has finally opened his own.

Retailing:  Many of you have commented to me over the past few months that this column contains more store closings than it used to.

Retailing:  Most people don't pay much attention to the directory signs in shopping centers. But sometimes those signs can reveal secrets.

A growing number of learning centers are popping up next to sub shops and grocery stores instead of in office complexes.