For U.S. retailers, the phrase "challenging environment" has become a shared refrain for one of the toughest quarters in decades. And merchants expect the climate to remain rough for the rest of the year as higher gas and food costs as well as slumping home prices weigh on shoppers. ...more

May 21, 2008

After facing recall after recall of millions of Chinese-made items, the nation's biggest toy sellers are imposing stricter measures on their suppliers - including tougher standards for lead content - to get ahead of expected new federal legislation. ...more

February 16, 2008

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s renewed focus on low prices amid a slowing U.S. economy may have revived sales at the world's largest retailer. ...more

February 16, 2008

Colleen Bramhall's friends used to think she had sold out by going to work for Accenture as a consultant after college. Now she says they're jealous. ...more

February 11, 2008

If anyone is looking for signs that we may be headed into a recession, look no further than the dismal sales results turned in by the nation's retailers in December. ...more

January 11, 2008

SEBRING — Wal-Mart paid $3 million for its real estate in Avon Park. Sebring Retail Associates spent $6.72 million for the Shops at Shelby Crossing land. ...more

January 4, 2008

Wal-Mart's message to America is "Save money. Live better." Its motto in Washington might best be summed up another way: Spend more. Lobby harder. ...more

December 27, 2007

Early holiday sales reports are weak, with Target Corp., the nation's No. 2 retailer, warning that its sales may have fallen in December. ...more

December 26, 2007

Retailers trying to brighten up what looks like a drab period for shopping are rolling out eye-catching packaging, celebrity tie-ins and contests for everything from Hannah Montana tickets to an African safari. ...more

December 13, 2007

One of the clearest signs that retailers are nervous this holiday season is likely to be found at Wal-Mart stores this weekend: stacks of Webkinz. ...more

December 7, 2007