Topic: J.C. Penney Co. Inc.

Stocks end mixed. Best first quarter since 1998.

Stocks closed out the quarter with the Dow gaining 742 points, its biggest first-quarter point gain in more than a decade and its biggest percentage gain since 1994.

Oil prices: Is $106 the breaking point?

Oil prices rise to highs not seen since 2008. But the impact of those oil prices has yet to be felt on the stock market. Are companies using inflation fears to their own advantage?

Eggs. Shrek glasses. Sure, but what was the top recall of 2010?

It was a year when contaminated eggs and McDonald's glasses found their way into the headlines. But the product fiascos of 2010 included everything from recalled cars and home appliances to food and medications. What was the year’s top recall? Read on:

Free shipping day is a good deal. Is it great?

More than 1,700 stores are offering free shipping day to customers who buy online Friday. But probably only savvy shoppers will get a great deal.

Roman blinds: Lowe's recalls 11 million blinds and shades

Roman blinds and roll-up shades were recalled last December. Lowe's joined in the voluntary recall on Wednesday.

Cyber Monday: US Shoppers eye deals from laptops to Squinkies

The lines between Black Friday and Cyber Monday have blurred as retailers promote both at once. More retailers are having web-only specials, and more are offering free shipping.

Black Friday online deals? Log on Wednesday at midnight.

Black Friday deals in cyberspace won't wait for Friday. Online shoppers can find equally good prices just after midnight Wednesday.

Tax holiday: 'tis the season when many states waive sales taxes

Many states are implementing a tax holiday in the coming weeks, hoping to boost retail sales and let struggling families get more for their money in a down economy. Experts are divided as to whether the scheme actually drives more shoppers to make purchases

Unemployment claims spike, stocks fall

Unemployment claims jumped last week prompting a fall in stock prices Thursday.

From JC Penney suits to 007 attire, Baghdad tailor obliges US troops

Most popular is Mehmet Ozkan's "nine-piece special": pants, jacket, vest, two shirts, tie, belt, handkerchief, and cufflinks for $400. When his shop burned down recently, US troops helped him stay afloat.

In hard times, Americans innovate on holiday gifts and giving

Americans say they'll spend less this holiday season because of hard times. But they're finding innovative ways to give, everything from regifting to donating their time to good causes.

Blind recall: How to check if your Roman shades are safe

In the midst of a huge recall of blinds and Roman shades, here's how to check if the blind recall applies to you.

What the housing turnaround will look like

Cape Coral, Fla., not long ago one of the foreclosure capitals of America, is now seeing a rebound as home prices hit once-in-a-generation lows.

Rise of the Recessionistas

Fashion meets frugality as self-confidence, pragmatism drive labels to broad market.

After the mall: retrofitting suburbia

As it once sucked the life out of Main Street, the suburban mall is being reconsidered – or torn down – as towns move back to the concept of a multiuse town center.

Etc.

What Alabama school kids take home from the inaugural

They revel in the magnitude and minutiae of a historic moment – clasped hands and fluttering flags, soaring rhetoric and rainbow-hued crowds.

Consumers: What's on your yuletide agenda?

Activists ramps up efforts for various causes this season. Success levels vary.

One school’s unusual changes in the hallways and cafeteria

Lunchroom will have ‘judgment-free’ seating area and all-access TV will allow parents to monitor whether their kids are wearing ninja clothes to class.

Legal immigrants to U.S. face endless wait

With its backlogs and bureaucracy, the immigration system is punishing for those who play by the rules.