Destination retailers feel gas price pinch

By ASHLEY M. HEHER AP Business Writer CHICAGO — Consumer spending is down and gas prices are up. That's bad math for the scores of destination retailers across the country that want customers to fill up the tank for a gas-guzzling day of retail therapy. So to cajole shoppers into stores, some of the nation's chains are changing marketing strategies, launching in-store classes and drumming up other special events aimed at getting road-tripping shoppers to pump up sales. Customers at Bass Pro Shops drive an average of 100 miles to reach the company's 50 locations and many are known to drive up to 300 miles each way to spend time at the massive outdoor supercenters. But with the average price of a gallon of regular gas above $4, getting even the most devoted customer to make the trip is becoming increasingly difficult. That's... [read full story]