May 25, 2012 6:19 pm
US wholesale prices fell 0.2 percent in April - Yahoo Finance
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. wholesale prices fell in April, reflecting a big decline in gas and energy costs. But outside that drop, inflation was tame.
The Labor Department says the producer price index, which measures price changes before they reach the consumer, dropped 0.2 percent in April. It was the first decline since December and the biggest drop since October.
Excluding volatile food and energy costs, the so-called core index rose 0.2 percent.
For the 12 months that ended in April, wholesale prices have risen just 1.9 percent, the smallest 12-month change since October 2009.
Modest wholesale inflation reduces pressure on manufacturers and retailers to raise prices. That helps keep consumer prices stable.
Gas prices spiked earlier this year. But they have dropped 5 percent since peaking last month.
New stores for shopping centre - Lancashire Evening Post
A city shopping centre has signed up two new traders and secured long-term leases for two established stores.
Western Computers will take over the vacant Ann Harvey clothing store at the Fishergate Centre in Preston from next month.
The firm sells Apple products including iPhones, iPads, iPods and Macs.
The Cox Motor Group will also bring the first car showroom to the top level of the centre, showcasing Honda vehicles.
Meanwhile, centre favourites TK Maxx and Lush Cosmetics have signed new five-year leases for their units in the mall.
Lush has also announced it is planning a refit of its Fishergate store.
The news will be a boost for the centre, which lost discount retailer TJ Hughes when the firm went into administration last summer, and saw the closure of quirky gadget shop Hawkin’s Bazaar.
Keith Mitchell, centre manager of Fishergate, said: “We’re delighted that the centre continues to attract such a range of occupiers, ensuring a varied retail offer for the Preston shopper.
“We’re proud to be welcoming the Apple brand to the centre along with the Cox Motor Group.
“We are also really pleased that Lush Cosmetics and TK Maxx have extended their leases as they have both established themselves as firm favourites with visitors to the centre. Debenhams have also shown their ongoing commitment to Preston with a major refurbishment to their store which is now complete.”
Rebecca Young, senior asset manager at Warner Estate, who coordinate the centre’s lettings, added: “We are looking forward to welcoming the new stores to the centre.
“Western Computers is a valuable addition; it’s great to be bringing the Apple brand to Preston and I’m in no doubt that it will prove very popular with shoppers.
“We’re also thrilled to have our very own car showroom in the centre, which will certainly be an exciting first.”
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An Apple store, like the one at the Trafford Centre, or a 3rd party selling Apple products. You can buy Apple's (overpriced) products elsewhere in the city, including Argos and what was Dixons, now Currys. Hardly cause foe excitement, but good to see new business take over vacant shops.
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