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Supply chain slowdowns could make it a big year for gift cards

Nov 25, 2021
E-commerce and consumer habits of younger shoppers have made them increasingly popular.
Once considered thoughtless and impersonal, gift cards have become increasingly popular and are expected to be a big seller this year.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images

Consumer prices are growing faster than they have in 30 years

Nov 24, 2021
The Fed's preferred means of measuring inflation jumped 0.6% in October.
Food prices have jumped 4.8% since last year.
Spencer Platt via Getty Images

Shop owners rush, like their customers, to shop for the holidays early

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%.
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Companies ease up on the holiday ads

Nov 15, 2021
This is usually a season when department stores, automakers and other retailers go big on ads touting special holiday deals. Not this year.
A pedestrian walks past a store advertising a Black Friday sale in New York.
Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

Small LA retailers optimistic ahead of the year's biggest shopping season

Nov 12, 2021
Yes, there are shortages, and prices are up. But in these Los Angeles gift stores, shoppers are already shopping.
Shirts and hats are shown in a small retailer in Los Angeles before the 2020 holiday shopping season.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

LA's port problems have retailers worrying about empty shelves for the holidays

Nov 9, 2021
Retailers and manufacturers are anxious about holiday shopping as they monitor supplies on delayed cargo ships.
Lots of space on the shelves in the toy department of a Houston Target store.
Brandon Bell via Getty Images

Don't panic. Holiday food will be there, just more expensive.

Oct 22, 2021
The supply chain mess has raised the prices of feed, storage, shipping and materials. But the turkey and pie will be on the table.
The cost of turkey feed is higher this year, contributing to the expected higher cost of serving a Thanksgiving dinner.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

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Retailers worry about supplies for the holidays while consumers worry about prices

Oct 21, 2021
Holiday shopping is expected to increase on average, but that's all down to better-off households.
Shoppers carry bags from Macy's department store in New York.
Kna Betancur/AFP via Getty Images

Supply chain and labor shortage concerns lead to earlier start for Black Friday deals

Oct 19, 2021
Some retailers are even starting their Black Friday deals today.
Jeenah Moon/Getty Images

Warehouse space is getting tight

Oct 5, 2021
As retailers start to stock up for the holidays, space to store goods is at a premium
Warehouse space is shrinking as the holidays approach.
Virginie Goubier/AFP via Getty Images