sears

Layaway became obsolete in the bubble years, an anachronism from bygone times when many consumers couldn't access credit. In today's rough economy, layaway is making a comeback for the holidays. But for investors who hold certain retail stocks, this may mean lumps of coal in their portfolios.

With Americans' budgets squeezed, more consumers will turn to layaway programs -- which allow shoppers to make payments in installments -- this gift-giving season, according to a new survey.

The beauty business is undergoing a makeover at some of the nation's biggest retailers, as pharmacies and department stores go after shoppers in new and unconventional ways. Sears, CVS, Duane Reade and their cohorts are courting a business that has rebounded well from the recession despite the country's economic malaise.

Lands' End has named Edgar Huber, former CEO of Juicy Couture, as its new chief executive. Will he be able to breathe new life into the 48-year-old brand?

The nation's big retailers are betting on exclusive lines to ring up back-to-school sales, and also targeting kids and teens where they wile away the hours -- online -- with digital campaigns designed to both entertain and stoke a social-shopping experience tailor-made for the tech-savvy generation.

Online retailing is big business, and growing. As virtual storefronts become major revenue generators, many retailers are realizing the value of free shipping, which has the potential to greatly increase sales. Consider these seven promotional strategies, good for consumers and investors.

Stripes, neutral tones in camel and olive, lace, and menswear-inspired women's clothing were some of the trends that emerged during New York Fashion Week in February, peppering the runway looks from designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Donna Karan and Jason Wu, who created Michelle Obama's inaugural...

With Amazon eating up retail sales in the U.S., Best Buy has long looked like a questionable bet. But now, with its stock price depressed and a revitalized sales strategy, the big blue store is looking like a good -- and undervalued -- bet.

The rumor mill is roiling with tales of Walmart test projects, including the possibility of home delivery. There's just one problem, it's all rumors. An anonymous source apparently told Bloomberg News that Walmart is thinking of testing home delivery in the San Jose, Calif. area with the code name...

The lines between online and in-store shopping are getting a whole lot blurrier and the whole experience is more streamlined for shoppers: Walmart has launched "Pick Up Today." Pick Up Today is different from "Site to Store," which lets you order select items online and have them shipped to...