Radioshack

The holidays may have come and gone, but when Best Buy posts its quarterly earnings, it's going to very publicly relive them -- whether it wants to or not. Wall Street analysts are generally optimistic, but there reasons for investors to worry.

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.

There was a time when RadioShack mattered -- it was the easiest place to pick up those tech items you had to have, from odd-sized batteries to coaxial cables. Now you can get that stuff everywhere, and RadioShack is dying so fast that even Wall Street's analysts can't keep up with its decline.

When it comes to how they treat their customers, some companies follow Santa-like policies. Others are more like the Grinch. But which is which? Consumer Reports offers the skinny on how a number of high-profile businesses behave with its Naughty & Nice Holiday List. Here's a rundown:

The skeptics can say what they like: Chances are that many of us will upgrade to an iPhone 4S. But you may also be on a budget, and tight-fisted enough to resist a fully-loaded new phone -- unless the right deal presents itself. Smart, because there's a way to pay the price you seek; Craigslist and eBay aren't your only options.

Consumers can expect a holiday shopping season heavy on promotional offers as stores offer sweet bargains on all manner of products amid a still-sluggish economy -- good news for buyers of tablet computers, smartphones and video games, all predicted to be big gift items this year.

Electronics retailer Radio Shack is shedding its image as an also-ran. Here's why we see opportunity in a stock that's long been a punch line.

Many of America's best-known retailers, including Walmart, Home Depot and JCPenney, will be stepping into the earnings spotlight this week. Their reports come on the heels of disappointing January retail sales numbers from the Commerce Department.

The retail landscape is littered with names that are no more. Stores we shopped at as children, or for our children; stores we loved; and even stores we hated and happily abandoned in lieu of better service or lower prices. All stores that we miss. Financial markets don't succumb to nostalgia -- a...

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.