Business

Tough economy, more courses competing for fewer players

Low-cost carrier, new labour deals show promise

Farmers in the South Okanagan region were predicting a bumper cherry crop this year, but recent wind storms have dashed those hopes.

The Federal Court has ordered the Harper government to find a new arbitrator in a lingering dispute between Canada Post and its biggest union.

Indigo Books & Music Inc. says its first-quarter loss narrowed to $5.5 million as it cut expenses and sold its eReader business. The book retailer said the loss amounted to 22 cents per share, compared with $24.

Starbucks is partnering with mobile-payment company Square to save money on credit- and debit-card interchange fees and to give customers a second option for paying for their lattes by cellphone.

Daily deal website WagJag said it has bought Yellow Media Inc.'s Deal of the Day business. Financial terms of the deal, which increases WagJag's subscriber list and expands its reach for clients, were not disclosed.

A report by investment firm Jefferies suggests that Research In Motion Ltd. is trying to revive discussions about a possible partnership with Samsung Electronics.

MILESTONE FOR PENINSULA FIRM Sidney-based Royal LePage By The Sea, a boutique real estate office established by Jean and Edward Dunn in 1996, achieved an impressive milestone last month, selling its 200th oceanfront property.

Analysts predict 2.5% increase