A Seattle 'candle bar' sees its first holiday shopping season

Dec 8, 2022
Originally started in her kitchen during the pandemic, candlemaker Colina Bruce talks about moving her business into a brick-and-mortar store and how things are shaping up through the holidays.
"Noir Lux started as kind of a pandemic passion project in my kitchen," said owner Colina Bruce. "That led into launching a whole ecommerce site, virtual candle- making classes, and that got my wheels turning about what it might look like for me to have my own space."
Cr. @kingnoir31

Why this holiday shopping season could be more “normal”

Nov 23, 2022
Analysts say consumers will behave more like they did before the pandemic. But “normal” shopping patterns might not translate to a booming season.
People walk at a shopping mall in Santa Anita, California.
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How's the holiday shopping season starting to shape up?

Nov 21, 2022
Despite retail promotions and a longer shopping season, inflation may make consumers pay more but get fewer gifts. Fa la la la la.
Retail inventories are up this year, as well as prices.
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What Target's poor third-quarter results say about the retail sector

Nov 16, 2022
The company missed profit expectations, and its leadership is warning of a soft holiday season.
“In some ways, Target is a microcosm for what's happening in retail,” says Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData, a retail research firm.
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Retailers hope for a holiday season that's more predictable, less wonky

Nov 14, 2022
A few other things retailers want: a steady pace of spending and to unload excess inventory.
"Retailers are almost wishing for a more steady pace of holiday spending rather than a mad dash to those holiday sales," said Wells Fargo economist Shannon Seery.
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As we head into the holiday shopping season, how are consumers feeling?

Nov 11, 2022
News this week that inflation may be moderating a bit is unlikely to register much with consumers right now.
People walk down a busy shopping street in New York City.
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For public good, not for profit.

Is the era of free returns for online purchases coming to an end?

Nov 4, 2022
Something to keep in mind as you start your online holiday shopping: Many retailers are getting stricter about their return policies.
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We're probably gonna spend more this holiday season

Oct 17, 2022
Inflation won't make us spend less this holiday season, according to predictions. But it may mean we get less.
Consumers are expected to spend more than they did last year on holiday shopping.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Holiday shopping will look different this year, with discounts coming early

Oct 10, 2022
Consumers can expect early and steep sales as retailers try to offload excessive inventory. Online shopping is expected to cool.
"Consumers are going to be seeing some of the best discounts they’ve seen in quite some time," said Vivek Pandya of Adobe Analytics. 
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