Retailers nationwide are expected to hire up to 500,000 seasonal workers this year, but with ongoing high unemployment, expect stiff competition for those jobs at the mall. DailyFinance's Laura Rowley offers tips on who else may be hiring for the holidays, and how to land one of those jobs.
The National Retail Federation is forecasting a less cheerful holiday season for America's stores, which means shoppers can expect to scoop up big discounts as retailers work harder to get cash registers ringing. But if you want the hottest gifts, you might want to buy early.
Despite a tepid economy, Halloween spending is expected to rise, as more people than ever celebrate the ghoul and goblin heavy ritual, according to the National Retail Federation's Halloween Consumer Intentions and Actions survey.
With the 2012 election season looming, the retail sector is getting vocally political for the first time. The National Retail Federation has launched "Retail Means Jobs," a year-long, $10 million advocacy campaign designed to push for retail-friendly policies in Washington.
Class, today's lesson in back-to-school shopping is what grownups call a good news/bad news situation. First, the goods news: Back-to-school spending is expected to increase over last year, according to the retail analyzer ShopperTrak. The bad news: Shoppers won't be coming to the store as much.
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.
Retailers are forecasting a strong 2011 as the economy continues to pick up speed. A boost in retail sales is good news, of course. But what, exactly, will it do for your wallet? And how will higher gasoline and clothing prices play out in the mall and in your portfolio?
Record snowfalls across the country dampened hopes of retailers for a strong end to the fiscal year. Many are expecting disappointment when major retailers report January sales on Thursday. The weather slowed what was already a weak trend.
U.S. retailers are planning store expansions and increased initiatives to monitor and serve their customers -- with a heavy focus on the Web and social media -- as they work to accelerate their growth in 2011.
Rising retail sales are adding to the list of positive economic developments as 2010 winds down. But how important are holiday sales in the larger scheme of things? Investors may be giving too much credit to what turns out to be a tiny sliver of U.S. GDP.
Amazon.com, Kohl's and Nordstrom rank among the top 10 companies for customer service, according to a shopper survey released by the National Retail Federation on Tuesday. Online electronics retailer Newegg made the list this year, while Coldwater Creek and HSN fell off.
On average, U.S. consumers will spend about 4% more on gift cards this upcoming holiday season than they did a year ago, as improving financial conditions allow people to spend a little more on presents, a new report predicts.
More customers will fraudulently return merchandise to stores this holiday season than last year, the National Retail Federation predicts. It expects the return of stolen goods and used merchandise will cost retailers nearly $3.7 billion, up 34% from $2.7 billion during the holiday season last year.
Holiday sales will rise an estimated 2.3% this year, according to forecasts from the National Retail Federation. It may not sound like much, but it will be a victory for retailers if they can enjoy their first decent year since 2007.
As shoppers head to back-to-school sales early this year, the retail industry is watching their behavior closely for hints about the coming holiday season. So far, the signals appear mixed, with analysts disagreeing about whether revenue is up or down.
Sales for this year's back-to-school season look like they'll surpass that of 2007, before the recession took hold, according to a new survey. But consumers still feel pressured financially and remain cautious about spending in general.
Holiday sales rose more than expected in 2009, offering a surprise gift to retailers still struggling from last year's devastating drop. Now inventories are heading up, suggesting an even better 2010.
