Holiday Shopping
Retailers' holiday sales plummet
The weak economy and bad weather created one of the worst holiday shopping climates in modern times, according to data released by SpendingPulse. Full Article
Stores to ramp up closings and job cuts in early '09
Many store chains have waited for the holiday shopping season to end before taking aggressive cost cutting steps. Full Article
Amazon claims record holiday orders in '08 season
Online retailer Amazon.com Inc reported its best holiday sales season yet, even as sales and traffic at U.S. store chains were the weakest in decades Full Article
Retailers may not rebound until 2010: analysts
Many U.S. retailers may be ready to forget the recession of 2008, but they are not likely to want to remember 2009 either.
Full Article
In tough times, Americans cling to Christmas trees
Beleaguered Americans may have to trim the size of their Christmas tree this year, but few will do without the holiday centerpiece no matter how bad the economy. Full Article
Downturn spurs "survival panic" for some
In the coming months, mental health experts expect a rise in theft, depression, drug use, anxiety and even violence as consumers confront a harsh new reality and must live within diminished means. Full Article
Shoppers to cut back more after Christmas
U.S. consumers, who have already sharply reduced spending for the holiday shopping season, are likely to cut back even more after Christmas, according to a survey. Full Article
Holiday shopping kick-off still weak-SpendingPulse
Declines in sales of major specialty retail categories extended into December, but some of the declines stayed in a tight range, which could be a sign that those declines could start to level off. Full Article
Americans cut back, but thrift is elusive
Spending less, saving more and eschewing consumerism were out of fashion just a year ago in America, but the prospect of a deep recession has made thrift the new mainstream. Full Article
Retail sales drop again
Sales at U.S. retailers dropped for the fifth straight month in November according to government data that showed consumers still doing some shopping despite the fact the economy is in recession. Full Article
KB Toys files for bankruptcy
The store, one of the largest U.S. toy retailers, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with a plan to close all its stores and begin liquidation sales in the middle of the holiday season. Full Article
Holiday sales growth
