Abercrombie and Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch has caused a ruckus by announcing that it plans to pony up a "substantial payment" to Jersey Shore's six-pack flashing Michael "The Situation" Sorrentino not to wear its apparel. Before the retailer scolds reality-TV stars, it should examine its own checkered past.

Abercrombie & Fitch has offered to pay Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, a cast member on MTV's "Jersey Shore," money to stop wearing its clothes. But does the brand really hate Sorrentino, or is the move simply a way to score a free affiliation with the star?

Aeropostale, the cheap-but-stylish clothing store for young teens, is sitting squarely in the stock market's bargain bin. The company has encountered some setbacks of late, sending its share price down. But none of its problems should prove lasting, and Aeropostale has three noteworthy opportunities right now.

Despite the dismal economy, some investors have been snapping up teen retail stocks, driving their prices higher. But the combination of high fashion and high prices doesn't necessarily earn a company a premium price tag, or a place in a well-managed portfolio. Keep these metrics in mind to separate the bargains from the poseurs.

Abercrombie & Fitch caught a lot of flack recently with its new push-up bikini top for girls as young as seven, so much so, it dropped the term "push-up" within a week of its launch. Whether it's a marketing scheme or publicity stunt, will it affect sales? Abercrombie & Fitch Kids' Ashely...

Want to be an extra-generous Santa in 2010? Try buying the most expensive item at each of 12 popular U.S. retailers. According to an unscientific survey by 24/7 Wall St, that would set you back nearly $15 million (thanks mainly to a visit to Tiffany). But, wow, what goodies you'd be hauling down that chimney.

Big merchants got an early Christmas present this year: Better-than expected November sales. This group posted 6% sales growth compared to 2009, far ahead of most forecasts for 3% to 4% growth. But bargain-hunting is likely to continue in December.

With Black Friday providing a strong kick start to the holiday shopping season, major retailers are on track to see increases of 3% to 4% over last year when they release November sales figures on Thursday.

Expect your T-shirts to get a little bit thinner next year -- and maybe a little more expensive. Apparel retailers are looking high and low for ways to keep from passing on too much of their own rising costs to consumers. The trick: Doing so without hurting quality.

As retailers wrapped up their earnings reports this week, most said they're back in cost-control mode and will tighten inventories after the holidays. Shoppers are still spending cautiously and costs are on the rise, so profits will have to be squeezed out of slowly rising sales.