While some call it a bid to get shoppers in a buying mood, it may very well be a sign of the times. Retailers are already rolling out the Christmas shops. With consumers preparing to cut back on spending once again this holiday season, expect the retail competition to be fierce.   Read More

The great American road trip is back, and that could be good news for Choice Hotels International, which franchises value hotel chains like Comfort Inn. We talked to CEO Steve Joyce, who says he sees signs of stabilization in his niche of the travel industry.    Read More

Even with some grease from economic stimulus dollars, consumers remained hesitant to spend in May—and aren't likely to get the urge anytime soon.   Read More

Has the economic crisis actually been a good thing for your retirement savings? If you asked this question, most people, still reeling from the hit their 401(k)'s took from during the market's dive, would think you were nuts. But every cloud has a silver lining, and there is at least one potential plus-side to what we've been though over the past year.    Read More

Amid all the steps the government has taken to shore up the banking system, a recent proposal by the Obama administration to require lenders to retain a stake in securitized loans is a "tremendous game-changer," says real estate mogul Richard LeFrak.   Read More

Hertz Global Holdings is making a big bet on the consumer. In an interview on CNBC, Hertz CEO Mark Frissora says he's "literally scrambling to buy as many cars" as he can to ramp up for a rebound in demand.    Read More

The use of digital coupons is on the rise. Is this a sign of a more stressed consumer or are there other factors at play. Perhaps, it's both, according to Steven Boal, CEO of the largest digital coupon provider Coupons.com.    Read More

The National Retail Federation provides fresh evidence that consumers are changing their behavior to cope with rising gasoline prices. A new survey finds consumers may start adjusting their plans if prices at the pump rise above $2.75 a gallon.   Read More

So tell me, who doesn't like to eat the chocolate chip cookie batter before it's baked? But some folks are learning the hard way that it's not a great idea. And Nestle is paying the price.   Read More

Don't expect consumer spending to rebound quickly but there may be signs that the worst is over. "Consumers are spending much more evenly," evenly," said Matthew Rubel, Collective Brands Chairman, CEO and President in an interview on "Squawk Box."    Read More