Consumer

U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises Despite Omicron, Higher Prices

WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. consumer confidence rose this month as Americans shrugged off concerns about rising prices and COVID’-19’s highly contagious omicron variant. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Wednesday that its consumer confidence index – which takes into account consumers’ assessment of current conditions and their outlook for the future – rose to 115.8 in December, the…

The Cool Kind of Camping Tech

DULUTH, Minn. – If you’re in the wild this summer – you’re not alone. The number of first-time campers during the pandemic reached more than 10 million and access to cellular/Wi-Fi while camping, glamping or doing the RV/van adventures was top of mind for 57 percent of those folks. If you want your devices to multitask on the road, check…

2020 Brings Changes to Retirement Savings

Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Explains the New SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act)

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the first major law impacting retirement savers in more than a decade. The SECURE Act took effect January 1, which means big changes for anyone with a 401(k) or IRA. Financial Professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial recently stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. to discuss how the changes will…

Eskimo Pro Staff Talk New Products Ahead of Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show

The Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show Runs December 13 - 15 at the DECC

DULUTH, Minn. – Kicking off Friday, December 13, the Arrowhead Ice Fishing & Winter Show will include entertainment and products for everyone. This year’s show takes place December 13 – 15. Friday: 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. A big part of the show attracts ice anglers from near and…

Thunderbird Mall Hosting “An Old Fashioned Christmas at the Mall”

The Holiday Event is Happening December 7-8 at the Thunderbird Mall in Virginia

VIRGINIA, Minn. – If you’re looking for some unique holiday shopping this season, you’ll find it December 7 – 8 at the Thunderbird Mall in Virginia. Bob Cap with Northern Minnesota Craft and Vendor Expos stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the upcoming holiday event. Cap and his wife Linda are busy organizing the “Old Fashioned Christmas…

Black Friday Shopping? Don’t Forget These Four Helpful Tips

Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow Offers Advice and Tips to Help Keep Your Wallet Happy This Black Friday

DULUTH, Minn. – Black Friday is known for its door-busting deals and bargain-hunting shoppers. Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News from 7 – 9 a.m. with tips to help you make the most of your time and money this Black Friday. Black Friday is almost here and so are the deals….

Pet Supply Store Secures Location in New Duluth Retail Development

Chuck & Don's is Expected to Open Late Winter, Early Spring of 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 is learning more about a new Eagan, Minnesota based pet store coming to Duluth. According to a company spokesperson for the pet supply company, Launch Properties is responsible for building the retail development that Chuck & Don’s will call home in late winter, early spring of 2020. The space will be located in the Jigsaw retail development…

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Paying off Credit Card Debt

Thursday, March 21, 2019 is National Credit Reduction Day

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a recent study credit card debt is at a record high. Recent interest rate hikes mean we’re paying even more to carry that debt. Thursday, March 21 is National Credit Card Reduction Day and Financial Advisor Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial offers five mistakes we should avoid making with credit cards. Why do we…

Five Financial Tips to Consider Before 2019

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday Morning to Offer Five Easy Tips to Consider Before 2019

DULUTH, Minn. – The confetti will fly as we soon sing and ring in 2019! But we can’t let the ball drop before setting ourselves up for financial success. Local financial professional Barry Bigelow from Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to offer tips to consider before we jump into 2019. Prep for Tax Season…

Handmade in the Northland: Mike and Jen’s Hot Cocoa Mix

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Dean Packingham is known as the creator of…

Handmade in the Northland: Makers Mercantile

FOX 21 Local News is Looking to Highlight Local Makers in the Northland Ahead of the Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – During the week of December 10 – 14, FOX 21 Local News from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. will be highlighting local makers in the Northland ahead of the Christmas holiday. Throughout the holiday season, many folks are working to pick out unique, locally made gifts for friends and loved ones. Scott and Sara Clifton are the owners of…

Inaugural Winter West Market Happening This Weekend in Duluth

Joy Herbert, Owner of Little Neetchers in West Duluth, Has Wanted to Organize the Winter West Market for Years; Now it's Becoming a Reality

DULUTH, Minn. – Joy Herbert, owner of Little Neetchers in West Duluth, has recognized that over the past few years, West Duluth has lacked a connected feeling among it’s businesses. Herbert now hopes the inaugural Winter West Market will help connect businesses in the Duluth neighborhood. Winter West Market will bring together 12 businesses that are all within walking distance of each…

Give the Gift of Beauty this Holiday Season

The St. Luke's Plastic Surgery Associates are Hosting Their Annual Holiday Sale Through December 31

DULUTH, Minn. – Now through December 31, the staff at St. Luke’s Plastic Surgery Associates invite you to stop by their location in St. Luke’s Building A. The team is hosting their annual Holiday Sale. On Wednesday, December 12 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., folks will have the chance to gain educational tips and meet with makeup and skincare representative…

Holiday Huts Taking Over Glensheen Mansion this Saturday, Sunday

The Third Annual Duluth Winter Village is Happening December 1 & 2 at Glensheen Mansion in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Back by popular demand, the Duluth Winter Village is set to take over the grounds of Glensheen Mansion in Duluth Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2. The event is happening from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day. More than 40 Duluth businesses will come together to offer holiday gifts and local goods from inside locally…

Changing Retail Landscape Leading up to Black Friday

Dr. Ahmed Maamoun with UMD Says This Year's Changing Retail Landscape Could Make an Impact on Black Friday Sales

DULUTH, Minn. – Black Friday marks the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. As companies begin to entice shoppers with deals and free shipping, UMD expert Ahmed Maamoun, Ph.D., explains how the retail landscape is constantly being redefined by both companies and technology. “In the retail sector, Black Friday is one of the most intriguing times of year,” said…

Locally Sourced Items Help Brighten Thanksgiving Dinner

Staff at Whole Foods Co-op in Duluth Offer a Variety of Locally Sourced Items to Include in Your Thanksgiving Meal

DULUTH, Minn. – “You definitely taste the difference,” said Ali Wade, Brand Manager at the Duluth Whole Foods Co-op. Wade stopped by FOX 21 Local News Tuesday morning to offer some fresh, locally sourced items for your Thanksgiving table this year. She says both Whole Foods locations have been busy with shoppers rushing in to finalize their turkey day meals….

Sip N’ Shop This Saturday at Letica’s Iron Mug Restaurant

The Inaugural Sip N' Shop Event is Happening Saturday, November 17 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – Local vendors in the community are inviting everyone to visit the inaugural Sip N’ Shop event happening at Letica’s Iron Mug Restaurant Saturday, November 17. The holiday event will feature local vendors, food discounts and fundraising for the Valley Youth Center. The Valley Youth Center looks to help children in the community with academics, living a healthier…

Holiday Tech Tips for Capturing the Best Memories

Verizon Wireless Specialist Steve Van Dinter Shares the Best Tech Gadgets for Capturing Holiday Photos

DULUTH, Minn. – As we start the month of November, the countdown is officially on to the holiday season. So how can you make sure to capture the best photos and memories this season? Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist Steve Van Dinter stopped by FOX 21 Local News Thursday morning with a few tech gadgets that’ll make the photo taking process a…

Treat Yourself with Better Saving Habits this Halloween

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Talks About Five Key Points to Helping You Save More Money

DULUTH, Minn. – Halloween is right around the corner! The spooky ritual has many of us thinking about tricks more than treats. However, it doesn’t have to be that way when it comes to your wallet. Local Financial Professional Barry Bigelow stopped by FOX 21 Local News Thursday morning to offer tips on how to trick yourself into saving for…

Tips for Avoiding Future Money Problems

Money Problems Were Different Back in the Day; Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial Offers Tips to Staying Financially Alert

DULUTH, Minn. – Planning for retirement used to be fairly predictable. As decades pass, times have changed and we’re now facing money problems today that didn’t exist years ago. Financial professional Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News Wednesday morning to share a few key tips when it comes to staying up-to-date financially.  Q: What…

Tailgating Tech Tips with Verizon Wireless

For Avid Football Fans, Verizon Wireless Wants to Offer a Few Tips to Staying Up-To-Date with Technology

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, or simply love to tailgate once in awhile, Verizon Wireless offers a few of their best products to help you get through the long day. Verizon Wireless Solutions Specialist, Chad Fajkus, stopped by the FOX 21 Local News Morning Show Friday to share four items now on the market. Fajkus says…

“Imagine Canal Park” During the Month of September

The City of Duluth Won a Knight Cities Challenge Grant of Over $200,000 to Help Bring the Project to Life

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Tuesday, August 28, city officials along with community partners are set to unveil new signage as park of the nearly two week Make Canal Park Pop initiative. The project is made possible thanks to a Knight Cities Challenge grant of more than $200,000 dollars, received in June of 2017. The grant will expire in December of…

Shop Till You Drop This Friday in Downtown Duluth

Hucklebeary and Duluth Made Market are Teaming Up to Host a Pop-Up Market Event

DULUTH, Minn. – Eager shoppers will want to check out downtown Duluth this Friday evening. The owners of Hucklebeary and Market Day Duluth have teamed to provide the Northland with a pop-up market, complete with many local vendors listed below. Pretty Gritty Body Atelier and Stone Lange Pottery Wooley Wearables Hucklebeary is located at 106 East Superior Street in Duluth….

Planning Ahead to Cope with Market Volatility

Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial in Duluth Offers Tips to Manage Your Money for the Future

DULUTH, Minn. – Ongoing market volatility is the new reality in 2018. Massive swings in both directions have occurred multiple times in the last five months leaving investors nervous and unsure about their financial plan. Barry Bigelow with Great Waters Financial stopped by FOX 21 Local News to explain how local residents can manage this ongoing volatility and create a plan…

With Frequent Flooding, Fact Check Your Insurance Policy this Summer

Duluth Agent Pat Shelton with Farmer's Insurance Agency Offers Advice to Remember When it Comes to Your Home Policy

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer brings storms and storms bring roof and siding damage and even flooding basements. Duluth insurance agent Pat Shelton says it’s important to be covered correctly so when disaster hits, your agency is there to pick up the pieces. Shelton says his agency is equipped with “Farmer’s Friendly Reviews” on renewals to make sure everyone knows what their policy covers…

Lakewalk Galley Goes All Out on New Menu

Crabby Ol Bills Now Has New Owners this Summer, and the Menu has been Revamped

DULUTH, Minn. – The former Crabby ol Bills along the Lakewalk in Canal Park is now open under a new name, and fresh menu items. The Lakewalk Galley is now owned by Vista Fleet owner Justin Steinback and Lake Avenue Restaurant and & Bar owner Derek Snyder. On Wednesday morning, co-owner Derek Snyder and sous chef Steve Rantala stopped by…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Getting to Know The Bauble Fairy

The Bauble Fairy Started Three Years Ago by Hermantown Resident Lyndsey Manning

DULUTH, Minn. – Big box and department stores have a large selection when it comes to bling and jewelry for babies and children. But one Northland mother simply wasn’t satisfied with the choices. “Probably not your typical style, the blue hair and black walls in my house,” said Lyndsey Manning, Owner of The Bauble Fairy. For this stay-at-home mom, fashion…

Duluth Woman Looks to Perfect Beauty Sleep

DeBora Rachelle is a Native Duluth Resident Looking to Keep Health, Wellness and Comfort in Mind While You Sleep

DULUTH, Minn. – Do you toss and turn all night long or wake up drenched in sweat? If so, one Duluthian is looking to make a difference in your life. “I may not be walking the red carpets in California and Hollywood anymore but I’ll be the hottest chick at a toga party,” said DeBora Rachelle, Founder, DeBora Rachelle Inc….

Superior Pursuits Back on the Big Lake

In this week's Knowing Your Neighbors, Captain Parker Bambenek Launches the Elixir for Another Season of Success

McQUADE HARBOR, Minn. – Just one semester shy of graduating from Northern Michigan University, Captain Parker Bambenek of Superior Pursuits was hit by a snowmobiler while ice fishing. That incident left Bambenek with two broken legs and a new outlook on life. “If someone wants to go tomorrow, they can give me a call right now,” said Bambenek. Captain Parker…

Retirement Planning Week Prompts Simple Saving Tips

National Retirement Planning Week is April 9 - 13, Prompting Tips to Start Saving Now

DULUTH, Minn. – This week is National Retirement Planning Week, a week dedicated to helping American’s get their financial plans on track so that they can retire on their terms. Whether you’re a millennial just entering the workforce or a baby boomer transitioning into retirement, you may be surprised to learn some of the basic tips you should be implementing…

Hucklebeary Pop-Up Offers Unique Goods, Services

Hucklebeary Founder Emily Ekstrom is Looking to Provide Northlanders with Unique Gifts and Services

DULUTH, Minn. – The Greater Downtown Council in Duluth is once again sponsoring three local business owners this holiday season, giving them a free space to set up a storefront from November through January. One of the shops known as Hucklebeary is located along Superior Street across from the Duluth Coffee Company. The store’s founder is a UMD alumnus and…

Johnson’s Bakery Prepares for Busy Holiday Season

Manager Megan Spitzley says Orders Should be Placed This Week or Early Next Week

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for fresh bakery items are being advised by Johnson’s Bakery in Duluth to pre-order bakery items now before the big Thanksgiving meal on Thursday. Megan Spitzley, Manager Johnson’s Lakeside Bakery, stopped by FOX 21 Local News at 7 Thursday morning to chat about how busy the business gets once the holidays arrive. Spitzley says Wednesday before Thanksgiving is…

Lincoln Park Businesses Welcome Duluth Pottery

Duluth Pottery Will Host a Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, October 21 Starting at 2 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lincoln Park neighborhood in Duluth is continuing to expand with the growth of locally owned Duluth Pottery. Owner Karin Kraemer has been creating works of art in the Twin Ports since 1998. For years she operated out of smaller spaces. In February Kraemer decided to purchase a building to call her own. Duluth Pottery is now…

Vision Jet Becomes Reality for Duluth Based Cirrus Aircraft

New Vision Jet by Cirrus Aircraft Proves to be Popular with Consumers

DULUTH, Minn. – A Duluth aircraft manufacturer, founded back in 1984, is now skyrocketing to new heights in the Northland. Cirrus Aircraft recently unveiled the company’s latest product and company officials say demand is already taking off. “There’s not a better place to be than up above the clouds,” said Matt Bergwall, Director of Cirrus’ new Vision Jet. Northlanders woke…

7 West Taphouse Opening Second Duluth Location Next Week

The Taphouse Has Expanded to a Location Along Maple Grove Road

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders will soon have a new location to stop for a burger and a brew in the Twin Ports. The owner of 7 West Taphouse tells FOX 21 he and his staff should be ready to open their new Duluth location Monday, August 14. Since May, crews have been busy turning the former Nevada Bob’s Golf space…

Studies Show ‘Babies Need Boxes’

Studies Show Finland has one of the Lowest Infant Mortality Rates in the World

DULUTH, Minn. – For year, babies have been falling asleep in boxes. Closer to home, one Minnesota mother caught onto the trend back in 2015. Since then, proper education of the practice has been spread to various communities across the country. “I think it would have been fantastic,” said Lori Sawnson, St. Luke’s Birthing Center Nurse Manager. Helpful hands, for…

Duluth Pack Unveils New City Portfolio Product

The Handcrafted Bag Comes to Duluth Pack's Line of Products after Receiving Community Feedback

DULUTH, Minn. – After months of gathering community feedback, staff members at Duluth pack are excited to release their newest product for consumers to enjoy. The City Portfolio bag was developed with a lightweight, affordable style in mine. Portfolio bags already produced by Duluth Pack can run anywhere from $200 to $300 dollars. The new product costs $145 dollars. The…

Special Report: The Canadian Connection | Part One

FOX 21's Brett Scott examines the Canadian Cash Flow into the Twin Ports

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn. – Over 150 miles separate the Twin Ports from our northern border. Each year hundreds of thousands of Canadians travel along Highway 61, making their way down to invest in our local economy. “We see four-hundred, five-hundred, up to one-thousand packages a day.” Jaime Spry, General Manager at Ryden’s Border Store, might be decking the halls while…