Retail, Retailer | featured news

Sales fall after a surge in the previous month, but the drop is smaller than forecast. Retail sales fell in September after a popular program aimed at boosting auto sales ended ...

A key measure of consumer confidence fell in September, after a gain in the previous month, raising concerns about retail sales in the upcoming holiday season, a research group said Tuesday.

Although the recession has been a struggle for all U.S. retailers, there is evidence that it has been especially difficult for the nation’s smaller, independent retailers.

Sears posted a $94 million loss on compensation and restructuring charges, widely missing expectations, as revenue fell.

Retailers Target Corp and Saks Inc posted better-than-expected quarterly results on Tuesday as they clamped down on expenses and inventory to offset falling sales, sending shares higher.

Retail sales unexpectedly fell 0.1% in July despite the debut of the government's "cash for clunkers" program. Separately, weekly jobless claims rose a bit.

Disappointing performance underscores concerns about the timing and durability of a recovery.

Wal-Mart's earnings were flat on lower same-store sales. The retail giant raised the low end of its fiscal-year outlook and plans to speed up cost-cutting measures.

Amazon says it has reached an agreement to purchase online shoe retailer Zappos.com.

Microsoft Corp.'s chief operating officer says the software maker is planning to open retail stores "right next door to Apple" in the fall.