Retailing:In downtown Raleigh, the family behind the Second Empire restaurant is planning an expansion to address the changing needs of the area.

Retailing:Though the economy is down right, now, it's a cheap time to build if you can afford it.

Retailing:Lots of retailers open up a shop and then decide to add a Web site for their business.

Retailing:A German tea shop chain known throughout Europe is coming to North Carolina.

Retailing:In Wilson, a family-owned business that has been open for 70 years is closing after this weekend.

Retailing:In Raleigh this week, we finally got a few names of restaurants and retailers that will fill the billion-dollar expansion at North Hills.

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:The Peanut Roaster, the Henderson company which is known for its gourmet nuts, has shut down its North Raleigh, Brier Creek and Wake Forest locations.

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.