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We're probably gonna spend more this holiday season

Oct 17, 2022
Inflation won't make us spend less this holiday season, according to predictions. But it may mean we get less.
Consumers are expected to spend more than they did last year on holiday shopping.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

For retailers, holiday shopping was strong. But the way we shop is changing.

Jan 6, 2020
We followed three small business retailers throughout the holiday shopping season. Here's the final word on how it went.
A UPS worker sorts packages to be loaded onto a delivery truck at the UPS sort facility in South San Francisco, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

How will post-Christmas sales fare?

Dec 26, 2019
Some retailers look to post-Christmas shopping to revive their fortunes
Jack Taylor/Getty Images

Trump's "Christmas gift" to consumers and businesses: Walking back tariff threats

Aug 13, 2019
Video games won't be any more expensive for the holidays. Vanadium chloride, however, will.
President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with leaders of the steel industry at the White House in 2018 in Washington, DC., where he announced some of the first tariffs in what would become the trade war with China.
Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images

Returns are a holiday headache for retailers

Dec 28, 2018
When you return a gift to the store, it costs the retailer money to process your return and restock the item. And if you are returning it via mail, it’s an even bigger headache for the retailer.  Click the audio player above to hear the full story.

Target's investments in online shopping are paying off

Nov 26, 2018
Target missed earnings expectations for the third quarter, yet the company is maintaining its forecast for the whole year. The reason? The retailer’s investments in its online segment are weighing down on its profit margins, but those investments are getting some traction as online sales jumped 49 percent in the latest quarter. Click the audio […]

For public good, not for profit.

Stores switch holiday sales strategy

Dec 22, 2017
You’ve waited until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping. It’s too late to order stuff online and get it by Christmas Day so you have to head to the mall. Brick-and-mortar stores have the advantage now. And they may not be offering the best last-minute deals.  Click the audio player above to hear […]

Weekly Wrap: Black Friday as an economic indicator

Nov 27, 2015
Let's wrap up this holiday week in business and economic news.

This year's must-have holiday gifts

Dec 12, 2014
Sam Weiner and Daniel Kibblesmith present their 2014 holiday gift guide.