department stores

Investors figured that new J.C. Penney CEO Ron Johnson's "Fair and Square" pricing strategy wouldn't be a hit right away, but no one expected the recently remodeled department store chain would be this earnings season's biggest disaster.

Constant sales have taught shoppers to distrust department store pricing. Can a more honest approach win them back?

J.C. Penney's new CEO plans to remake the tired old department store chain a la the Apple Store and Target, and his fresh ideas are earning him applause. But as investors and industry watchers cheer Ron Johnson's turnaround concepts, they're ignoring some big potholes on the road ahead.

New CEO Ron Johnson's plan to revamp J.C. Penney is seriously ambitious. No more coupons, almost no more sales, and a complete rethink of the department store model. So why does he think he can pull it off -- and with a chain that has lagged its rivals? Because maybe he can. Here's why:

Macy's is raising its earnings outlook for the fourth quarter and full year due to a strong holiday season and says it will double its quarterly dividend to 20 cents a share. The retailer is also increasing its share repurchase program by $1 billion. The announcements came as the department store operator reported Thursday that a key measure of its December sales rose faster than analysts had expected.

J.C. Penney is betting on iconic domestic diva Martha Stewart to help reinvent the staid department store concept, and in turn, how America shops. Their partnership is the first bold move from new CEO Ron Johnson -- but can it work?

Here's the scoop on the holiday shopping season: Fewer people will camp out in front of stores before Black Friday this year in hopes of scoring hot deals on the "it" gifts. Instead, they'll use smart phones and tablets to comparison shop for the best prices, according to Accenture's latest survey.

Two of the men most responsible for making Target a cool, hip shopping option will soon be leading J.C. Penney's, which means bold changes could be coming for the middle-of-the-road department store chain. Can Ron Johnson and Michael Francis help it shake its stodgy image?

While Nordstrom has yet to find a suitable location in New York City, online shoppers can now get any item delivered for free. On Monday, Nordstrom announced it will offer free shipping and returns for all U.S. orders -- making it the first department store chain to do so.

As the economy improves, Americans have begun splurging again. But they're limiting their indulgences to haircuts, casual dining and coffee, while continuing to forego many bigger expenditures, like vacations and dining at expensive restaurants.