Saks

Saks Inc. (SKS) reported earnings of 20 cents per share for the third quarter, compared with 4 cents per share a year earlier. The results for the third quarter included a gain of 14 cents per share related to the reversal of certain estimated income tax reserves deemed no long necessary. Without...

Shoppers are still being careful with their money and hunting for bargains, but generally positive October sales numbers suggest that consumers are beginning to look beyond the basics.

Consumers are still cautious about spending as the effects of the recession linger. But many retailers are feeling more optimistic as we head into the holiday shopping season. Here's a look at the people who are leading retail out of the doldrums.

Knowing customers' likes and dislikes is about as basic as it gets in retailing. But for years, national department stores got it wrong. More concerned with controlling costs, big retailers focused on sameness. Not anymore.

Despite heat waves, penny-pinching parents and a weak job market, most retailers posted solid sales in August. They benefited from better inventory control -- giving local stores more say in merchandising -- and well-timed promotions.

Saks shares have spiked on takeover speculation. Reports say a private equity consortium with U.S. and U.K. players is interested in buying the retailer and could offer some $1.7 billion for it.

With the prospects for economic recovery iffy at best and consumer spending still sluggish, retailers are closing their weakest stores in order to protect profits.