Holiday Shopping 2008 - Retail News, Guide to Best Christmas Gifts

Retailers Brace for Step-Up in Exchanges
Consumers are expected to return more holiday purchases than usual this year, adding to pressure on retailers' bottom lines after a disappointing season.

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Discounts Fail to Save Retailers
Heavy discounting after Christmas didn't prevent retailers from turning in the worst holiday-season performance since 1970.
- Holiday Blog: Online Shopping Falls 3% in First Decline
- S&P: More Negative Ratings Ahead for Retailers
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Economy Hits Online Sales
Online sales held up better than the rest of the retail market during the dismal holiday period, but the season is still likely to go down as one of the worst on record.
- Complete Coverage: Holiday Shopping
- Video: Shoppers In Search of Bargains
Retail Sales Plummet
Price-slashing failed to rescue a bleak holiday season for beleaguered retailers, as sales plunged across most categories.
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Retailers Brace for Major Change
Fallout from the dismal holiday sales season promises to have a lasting impact on how the retail industry operates, with some prepared for a large number of bankruptcies and store closures.
Amazon Lauds Its Holiday Sales
Amazon called its 2008 holiday shopping season "the best ever," despite a series of predictions for weakness even for online sales.
Why Some Toys Don't Get Discounted
Despite the difficult economy, many stores aren't marking down certain popular gifts, including the latest James Bond game, because of minimum pricing.
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A Not-So-Jolly Season for eBay
EBay is suffering a slide in visitor traffic and deteriorating sales as customers leave for fixed-priced sites where eBay has less of an edge.
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Retailers Have Blue Christmas
For Britain's retailers, it looks like Christmas is a bust. There were 8.7% fewer shoppers on the final weekend before Christmas than last year.
Retailers Look to Capture Night Owls
In a dark holiday-shopping season, more retailers are staying open for 24 hours in a last-ditch effort to capture sales.
Holiday Dressing
Retailers are hoping shoppers will indulge in one or two key pieces this holiday season. Here are some of the items getting second looks.
Retailers Drop Prices to Avert Flop
A Wedding of Skill and Style
The Eco-Friendliness of 'Green' Gifts
Shopping at Hometown Designers
A Tough Year for Compulsive Shoppers
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Luxury Goods Performing Poorly
Thrifty? Bah, Humbug
Home for the Holidays
Journeys for Every Wallet
Kids Sell Old Toys to Get Cash for New Ones
Windows on a Wide World
Pictures at a Private Exhibition
Wii Leads Gains in Videogame Sales
Nothing Says Christmas Like a Used Bicycle
Having Your Christmas Tree Delivered
More Gift-of-the-Month Clubs
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Retail Drop Eased in November
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EA Warns of Weak Holiday Sales
Retailers Reach Out to Customers Digitally
Greeting Cards Seek a Sober Tone
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Abercrombie Fights Discount Tide
Check Sites on Shipping
Season With a Clue
Better Scratch That Kindle Off Your List
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November Is as Bad as Feared
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Holiday Shoppers Lured Only by Big Bargains
Shalom, Kiosk Christmas Shoppers
Online Retailers Woo Consumers
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Holiday Shopping Starts Off Strong
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Retail Faces a Long Season of Stress

Holiday Sales News Tracker

Heard on the Runway

Holiday Deals

Retailing News

Borders Overhauls Management
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Joyless Tidings for U.K. Retail
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U.S. Retailers to Report Grim Results
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Retailers Brace for Step-Up in Exchanges
Car Dealers Face Struggles
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Barnes & Noble Attracts Yucaipa

Gift Guides

Giving the Wonderful World of Wine
A sampler case of 12 wines from across the globe makes a palate-pleasing holiday gift.
- Video: A World-Wide Sampler
Gifts That Keep on Giving
According to Lewis Hyde, gift exchange is the economy of the creative spirit. He discusses the art of gifting and we present seven beneficiaries. Portfolio
- Video: Violin Virtuoso's Gift of Music
A Deal-Hunter's Guide to the Galaxy
Amid the many sales, there's an art to finding the deepest discounts and knowing the best time to buy.
- Podcast: Benefits for the Bargain-Hunter
- Holiday Sales blog: Discount Fashion Gamble
Gifts for Adventure
Want to make your gift a memorable one? Here's a range of ideas, from stellar stress relievers to philanthropic pursuits.
Gift Ideas for Travelers
Travel? In this economy? That might be your first thought as the holidays approach. But these gift items should fit just about every budget -- and make even short trips a bit more enjoyable.
Fantasy Sports Gift Guide
For the fantasy-sports fan in your life, we've drafted a list of holiday gifts--from a pocket TV projector to a personal lesson on how to snag a baseball hit at the park.
Travel Photo Books for Holiday Giving
Stuck at home for the holidays? A bookstore buyer picks travel photo books that bring the world home.

Fashion

A Toast to 2008 Fashions
From slouchy boyfriend jackets to blousey harem pants, a look at the highs and lows of 2008's fashion trends.
Sale of Bill Blass Label Paves Way for Revival
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Retailers Brace for Major Change

Economy

Stimulus Would Expand Tax Credit
Obama met with lawmakers to begin selling his stimulus plan as his advisers offered more details, including a proposal to expand the child tax credit for poor families.
German Leaders Agree to Stimulus
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China Urges 'Reasonable' Property Pricing

Life & Style

Greene & Greene: In a Gallery and On Site
A San Marino, Calif., exhibit features the furniture and other fixtures found in homes designed by America's best-known participants in the Arts and Crafts movement.