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Holiday retail

Will retailers risk rolling back the generous return policies shoppers love?

by Savannah Maher
Nov 24, 2023
Free online returns and 60-day windows are popular but cost companies money. Some e-commerce players are experimenting with changes.
Some companies are trying to prevent costly returns by providing detailed product information and experimenting with virtual try-ons.
Emily Elconin/Getty Images
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After a flat August, this North Carolina toy store is already looking forward to the holidays

by Sean McHenry
Sep 14, 2023
For this toy store owner, the biggest challenge right now is prepping for the holidays.
"We are selling a lot of Halloween products right now," said Irene Kesselman, owner of Ali Cat Toys in Carrboro, NC. "And certainly we'll move into the Christmas season shortly thereafter."
Ariel Jackson
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Amid Black Friday sales, retailers are still dealing with inflation

by Sean McHenry
Nov 23, 2022
From records to chocolate to bicycles, three small businesses describe how they're doing ahead of Black Friday.
As shoppers flock to stores this Black Friday, small businesses are still weighing how to handle rising prices.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images
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So how good were the holidays for retailers?

by Sean McHenry
Jan 4, 2022
Three small-business owners weigh in on how the shopping season went for them.
Despite a spike in coronavirus cases, retail sales were strong during the holiday season.
Leon Neal via Getty Images
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Shop owners rush, like their customers, to shop for the holidays early

by Justin Ho
Nov 19, 2021
Haunted by their own supply chain woes, many retailers are trying to get what they themselves need for the holidays.
Shoppers look at a holiday display in a New York City shop window. Despite supply chain issues and inflation, the National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to jump up to 10.5%.
Scott Heins via Getty Images
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As holiday merchandise gets held up, discount retailers get ready

by Caroline Champlin
Sep 24, 2021
Backlogs of holiday goods on ships and in warehouses mean liquidators could be in for a good season.
Current shipping backlogs could mean delays in holiday merchandise — and the gift of overstock for discount retailers.
Matt Cardy via Getty Images
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COVID-19

Three small businesses weigh in on the pandemic holiday season

by Sean McHenry
Jan 4, 2021
Marketplace has been following three American small businesses during this unprecedented holiday retail season. Here's how things went.
The quiet interior of Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro, North Carolina, where Ali Cat Toys is located.
Irene Kesselman
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COVID-19

Retailers have to figure out how to handle all our online returns

by Andy Uhler
Dec 14, 2020
One challenge for those managing "reverse logistics"? Not enough room to store everything we want to send back, one study says.
Packages are processed at a U.S. Postal Service distribution center in Oakland, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
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Retailers' holiday sales strategy this year? Fewer, smaller sales

by Marielle Segarra
Dec 7, 2020
They're trying to make a profit selling less stuff, but holding the line on prices.
A pedestrian walks past a store advertising a Black Friday sale in New York.
Jeenah Moon/Getty Images
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COVID-19

How small stores are cutting through the noise from the big-box stores this season

by Kristin Schwab
Nov 26, 2020
Personal touches, virtual community events and free shipping can go a long way.
Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images
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