Shopping

ORLANDO, Fla. -- As the holidays approach, shoppers and merchants alike can expect crowded parking lots, long checkout lines, and frayed tempers. One thing most people aren't expecting to run across is counterfeit currency.

But according to the U.S. Secret Service, counterfeiting cases tend to rise around the holidays. And the increase may be even more pronounced this year amid the down economy.

A woman who allegedly fired pepper spray at other customers during a Black Friday sale has surrendered to authorities, Los Angeles police said Saturday.

If there's one thing I've never been shy about, it's getting a good deal when shopping.

My friends have often heard me say how my favorite jacket cost me 99 cents. Hearing myself, I've realized that, when I get a deal, I value

that item even more than if I'd paid full price.

A few violent incidents broke out across the country on Black Friday as millions of shoppers rushed into stores that opened their doors hours earlier than usual on the most anticipated shopping day of the year.

OGDEN -- The national chain store Yankee Candle has opened a store in the Newgate Mall, the third of four stores it plans this year for Utah.

Manager Laura Fleck said the store opened at the first of October across from the entrance to Dillard's. The store sells scented candles and accessories. The corporate-owned stores will be open year-round and employ up to 10 part-time workers and two full-timers in Ogden, Fleck said.

NORTH OGDEN -- The city council has adopted an economic development plan that it hopes will draw business to the city to create a stronger tax base.

The plan was approved unanimously by the council. All council members and the mayor have spoken to the need of partnering with businesses to create a more thriving economic environment in the city.

NEW YORK -- Stores are trying everything they can think of to disguise the fact that you're going to pay more for clothes this fall.

Some are using less fabric and calling it the new look. Others are adding cheap stitching and trumpeting it as a redesign. And the buttons on that blouse? Chances are you're not going to think it's worth paying several dollars more for the shirt just to have them.