Retail

Retailers are reading customer comments because they help sales and credibility; the magic of 4.2 stars

Americans’ optimism about the economy came roaring back in November, hitting a nine-year high as the economy heads into the key holiday shopping season.

Investors are betting that hard-hit retailers will rebound under a Donald Trump presidency. The SPDR S&P Retail exchange-traded fund, which holds stocks like Office Depot Inc. and Kohl's Corp., has climbed 10.5% since the U.S. presidential election. The gains far outpace the 2.9% rise in the S&P 500 during that period.

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Nearly every retail strip in New York City features the same glowing snowflakes, poinsettias and bows adorning the light poles this holiday season. Columnist Anne Kadet lights the way in tracking down the source.

Americans jumped on holiday deals over the weekend, but a larger slice of their spending migrated online, often through mobile devices, highlighting the high-wire act that faces retailers tethered to stores.

Early VR headset sales hurt by limited supply and high prices

As inconsistent temperatures catch designers and retailers off-guard, a major fashion school wants students to learn more about predicting the weather.

Novelty gifts, limited-time or targeted promotions are ways small businesses use to stand out from bigger rivals during the competitive holiday shopping season.

Laws requiring employers to give workers more predictable and remunerative schedules are sprouting across the nation, drawing the ire of some employers as local governments wade into the debate over inequality.

Retailers dangled hefty discounts in their stores—after offering earlier deals on their websites—as they waged a high-stakes battle with Amazon.com Inc. and other rivals to capture as much spending as they could during the Black Friday shopping spree.

In the battle for shoppers, traditional retailers have been moving discounts earlier in November, linking their stores and websites more closely and finding ways to capitalize on the rise in mobile shopping.

Department stores have found an alternative to the low-price TVs sold by electronic chains to draw crowds over the Thanksgiving weekend: a $19.99 pair of women’s boots.

The all-important holiday shopping season for retailers typically isn’t the best time to own retail shares.

On Black Friday weekend Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is hoping some shoppers trade up from half-price pajamas and $1 DVDs. Maybe a luxury watch, or Prada pumps?

CBRE Global Investment Partners said it has invested about $450 million for a 45% stake in a portfolio of West Coast retail property, in a bid to tap into rising consumer spending in a region driven by technology-sector growth.

Holiday shopping coupons are piling up in the mailbox, but this year’s batch may include fewer big-name brands. More are opting out of department store promotions that they believe hurt their pricing.