Coping with Downturn

Coupons and league play are helping a Huntersville bowling alley survive in spare economic times.

Buddy Stone will tell you he has a store full of things nobody needs. But oh, are they things somebody would want.

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.