Retailers threw a holiday party, but no one came. The latest data on holiday sales continued to confirm what most have been suspecting: it was the worst holiday season for retailers in decades. Read More
As retailers try to lure shoppers with after-Christmas sales, a harsh reality is emerging: Shoppers are cashing in their gift cards for cash instead of scooping up discounted merchandise. Read More
If you're that guy who waits until Christmas Eve to do his shopping, no sweat! We've got some great gift ideas for you that won't scream I-just-bought-this-it's-still-cool-to-the-touch-from-the-trunk. Whether it's luxurious cashmere for her or a pocket-sized videocamera for him, we'll help you be the hero this holiday season. Check out these great last-minute gift ideas. Read More
Folks weren't kidding when they said they were going to make a budget this holiday season. A recent survey by BIGResearch found more than half of Americans sticking to their budget this holiday season. Read More
So you're short on cash this holiday season, but you're not the knitting type. Hey, you don't have to cancel Christmas! DIY isn't just for knit scarves and tins of sugar-dusted prunes, you know. There are thousands of great gifts you can make right from your computer. How about a video scrapbook or an origami peacock? Here are a few ideas to get you clickin' this Christmas. Read More
U.S. retailers are going to be pulling out all the stops this weekend — the last weekend before Christmas — with everything from jaw-dropping markdowns to round-the-clock openings in a last-ditch attempt to save the season. Read More
Looking for that perfect gift for the gadget lover who has everything? Beyond the iPhone and Wii, here are 10 of the coolest gadgets this holiday season. Everything from a solar-paneled laptop bag to a washable keyboard and — wait for it — a touch-screen universal remote. Read More
There may be a recession going on but don't look for signs of it in the toy aisle: There may still be mom-to-mom combat for the hottest toys — that is, if you can even find them. Click here to find out what the hottest —and most elusive — toys are this year. Read More
It's a make-it or break it time for retailers. The holiday selling season is always a critical time for retailers, but this year this may be even more true. With several retailers already falling victim to a drop in consumer spending, and filing for bankruptcy, retailers will be navigating through some tricky waters. Consumers are strapped for cash due to high energy and food prices, and unemployment is rising. The recent credit crunch has made it more challenging for retailers and consumers to borrow.
This blog will look at the winners and losers in the retail space. Who has the right strategy to capture consumer dollars? It also will look for trends in consumer spending and how that will impact the economy.