The gifts are out of the boxes, and some of them will inevitably be on their way back to the mall. And retailers are preparing to see an increase in returned merchandise this year. Andrea Gardner reports.
Shoe cobbler Ramazan Baydan has had plenty of business, thanks to his claim to the infamous shoe thrown by an Iraqi journalist at President Bush. Daniel Estrin reports on the success of the "Bye Bye Bush" shoe.
Another reason sited for lack of consumer participation in this year's holiday shopping season: no new technological innovations. Jill Barshay also reports where shoppers' recipient lists dwindled.
As retailers try to salvage dismal holiday sales, some are placing discount on top of discount in order to get products off the shelves. Rico Gagliano analyzes the big picture from a snowboard shop.
It's been a particularly dry time for top-shelf alcohol as premium beer and fine wine are selling comparatively lower to last year. But low-price, supermarket liquor purchases are up. Jean-Luc Renault reports.
Retailers are paying the price for the worst holiday sales in decades. In spite of door busters that busted their budgets, they're stuck with massive amounts of unsold inventory. Nancy Marshall Genzer reports.
Gift cards are usually a high sales performer during the holiday season, but this year their retail numbers fell. That also means a smaller post-holiday bump when the cards are used. Jean Luc Renault reports.
In a survey conducted by Michaels craft store, nearly 60 percent of 1,000 respondents said they were more likely to make their own gifts this year. Andrea Gardner looks into the homemade trend that was popular this holiday.
While most retailers are experiencing a dismal holiday shopping season, Lego may see a record gain in U.S. sales this year. Mitchell Hartman explains why the construction toy company is building a profit.
It's been a dismal holiday season for retailers. Consumer spending is down, and the bad weather isn't helping matters. Mitchell Hartman reports on how business owners in Portland are coping with a chilly holiday shopping season.
