Coping with Downturn

Sewing used to be a necessity. These days, it's mostly a hobby – one that looks more attractive as people stay home because of the economy and try to save money.

When times get tough, some people still need a drink – though possibly one that costs less than it used to.

John Cannamela holds a camera the size of a flashlight and aims at it at a wall. His goal is to see where hot air may be leaking into a building on a sweltering summer day.

When business slowed at Edward “Ned” Arthur's roofing business last fall, Arthur thought he'd get a brief Christmas break after a busy year.

One home builder that has catered to first-time buyers is moving upmarket to cope with a housing industry hurt by restricted credit and falling confidence.

The best time to woo new business, as Joe Gass sees it, is during a downturn.

The average golf cart has as much oomph as a firm putt – and uses about as much energy as one, too.

Art can be a tough sale in a shaky economy.

The Goodwill store in Charlotte's Steele Creek neighborhood buzzed late last week as eager browsers thumbed through aisles of discount-priced shirts, pants and blazers, sliding hangers click-click-clack along clothing racks.

Has an uncertain economy dulled Charlotteans' cravings for sweet tea, fried chicken and biscuits? It sure doesn't seem like it, say friends Asheesh Pathak and Karen Sullivan, owners of a new Bojangles' franchise near uptown.