From rebates and layaways to low-price guarantees, retailers are pulling out all the stops  to entice shoppers, who are keeping a tighter reign on their spending. Though no one is predicting blockbuster sales in any category this year, some stores will fare better than others. Here’s a look at the expected winners and losers.

* Lee Scott to retire as CEO February 1

* Lee Scott to retire as CEO February 1

Men's Wearhouse profit fell 61 percent in the third quarter as total store sales tumbled 10.2 percent, but tuxedo rentals held steady and helped the company beat Wall Street estimates.

Investor William Ackman offered some tweaks Wednesday to his plan aimed at increasing the value of Target Corp., saying as much as 20 percent of the real estate investment trust he was pushing for could be spun off in an initial public offering.

Credit-ratings agency Fitch Ratings Services Inc. said Wednesday it expects the 2008 holiday season could be the weakest in two decades as consumers cut back spending, and department stores, specialty apparel and electronics retailers are likely to be the hardest hit.

Tough economic times are forcing Florida consumers to drastically cut back on plans for holiday spending, according to surveys conducted in September and October by the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research. More than 500 consumers participated each month in the telephone survey. The polls have a margin of error of 3 percent.

Retail stores may be much less crowded this holiday season, as one research firm sees foot traffic sliding a record 9.9 percent as shoppers suffer from the weak economy and low consumer confidence.

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Retail stores may be much less crowded this holiday season, as one research firm sees foot traffic sliding a record 9.9 percent as shoppers suffer from the weak economy and low consumer confidence.

By Nicole Maestri

By Nicole Maestri

Shoppers hunting for bargains on food, gasoline and other staples helped warehouse club operator BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. report a 24 percent increase in third-quarter profit Wednesday. The company also raised its outlook for the year.

By Nicole Maestri

By Nicole Maestri

Book seller Barnes & Noble Inc. reports earnings for the fiscal third quarter on Thursday. The following is a summary of key developments and analyst opinion related to the period.