Holiday Shoppers’ Fast Start
Retailers attracted 147 million shoppers over Thanksgiving weekend, up 4.8% from last year, according to the National Retail Federation
Target: Cheap Chic Out of Style
The retailer missed quarterly forecasts due to soft sales of apparel and home goods as pinched consumers rejected higher-margin, designer offerings
Plucking the Fruits of Apple Accessories
Makers of cases and adapters must hustle when Steve Jobs unveils another new product. Still, the near-$1 billion market makes it worth the stress
Firefly Mobile: Calling All Tweens
Its kiddie cell phone was a smash. Can a version for older children compensate for a gruelling management shakeup?
The American Green House
Mass-market retailers are offering more eco-friendly home furnishings, but without industry standards it's hard to tell the green from the greenwashed
Grown-Ups: Embrace Your Inner Goblin
Retailers are expecting more than $5 billion in sales this Halloween—thanks in part to adult spending on high-end treats
Where Have All the Leaders Gone? (Part II)
Yes, there is a dearth of genuine leadership in business and politics. But there are examples we can look to for inspiration and guidance
Microsoft’s Jellyfish Buy Is No Stinger
Acquiring the shopping-and-auction service is the giant's latest bid to grab a bigger share of online ad dollars. Google has little to fear
Wal-Mart: A Snap Inspection
The retailer's customer service scores low on our three-store visit. Says one worker: "If Wal-Mart doesn't care for me, why should I care?"
How Solid Is Your Brand?
Our columnist details the six key characteristics a well-positioned brand needs to possess