NBarnes & Noble's first high-definition tablets, unveiled on Wednesday, were well received by analysts who said the devices keep the bookseller in the fight with Amazon.com, Apple, and Google -- for now.
Here are a few things that will shape the week ahead on Wall Street: Microsoft will show off Windows 8 tablets; Tesla's hot Model S will reach buyers; Cricket gets the iPhone; Barnes & Noble opens its books; and Bed Bath & Beyond turns back the covers on earnings.
Recently, we've bidden farewell to Borders, Circuit City and Linens 'n Things. Here are five more once-thriving chains that are probably doomed thanks to lousy management or just being in the wrong business at the wrong time.
This isn't how Barnes & Noble wanted to write its final chapters. The liquidation of rival Borders this summer should have been an opportunity to grab market share, and it's Nook e-reader should have kept it relevant. Instead, a price war is exposing the retailer's financial shortcomings.
Following Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Borders now plans to liquidate its remaining stores. But there's a bright side to the big box bookseller's death: Its long and tragic tale provides plenty of fodder for investors. Use these lessons to ensure that your future investments have a happier ending.
Liberty Media, the conglomerate controlled by John Malone, made a $1 billion bid Thursday to buy Barnes & Noble. The bricks-and-mortar bookstore business is declining everywhere, so for Malone's gamble is to pay off, the Nook will have to gain some ground against Apple's iPad and Amazon's Kindle.
Retailers are getting back to business after the recession and showing stronger earnings, making them attractive targets for private equity investors -- and each other.
