Topic: Nordstrom Inc.

Are 'fiscal cliff' woes killing Christmas sales?

In last weekend before Christmas, traditionally a strong sales period, shoppers cite worries over taxes and so-so discounts as reasons to rein in spending. Experts warn of ho-hum holiday sales.

Change Agent
Shoppers add charitable giving to their lists

Purchases that give a portion of the sale to a charity make shoppers feel good but may diminish overall giving to that charity, a consultant says.

On Black Friday, retailers take customization to the next level

To combat online shopping and a slow economy, more retailers are providing more convenient shipping options and providing layaway, price matching, and smart phone apps for shoppers. 

Libya consulate security was too weak, says former military team chief (+video)

Lt. Col, Andrew Wood, the head of a 16-member military team in Libya, said that diplomatic security was unusually weak at the US consulate in Benghazi, where the US ambassador and three other Americans were killed in a September terrorist attack.

State Department admits it knew Libya attack was terrorism

Despite statements after the September 11 killings of four American diplomats that the attack was related to an incendiary anti-Muslim video, the State Department is now acknowledging that it suspected from the beginning that the ambush was pre-planned.

Why has this been the slowest economic recovery since WWII?

Feeble growth, little consumer spending, unemployment, and shrinking paychecks have all contributed to making this the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression.

Encouraged by the Fed's positive comments, stocks rise sharply

Erasing a big decline from the day before, the Dow Jones increased by 162 points to close at 12,573, as every major category to stock in the market closed higher. The president of the Fed's Chicago bank said he supports super-low interest rates, encouraging investors.

Stocks end lower after Wednesday's huge gains

The Dow fell 25 points to close at 12020 after soaring nearly 500 points on Wednesday.

The Daily Reckoning
Consumer spending gets a makeover

Americans are spending less money, but they are spending it on better products

Stocks rise in response to European bank help

The Dow jumped 183 points to close at 11123, bringing its three-day gain to 434 points

Chapter & Verse
Doonesbury "leaks" excerpts from Sarah Palin bio

Doonesbury cartoon character Roland Hedley offers readers a sneak peak at Joe McGinniss's unauthorized biography of Sarah Palin.

Fashion's Night Out hopes to give retail sales a boost

Fashion's Night Out, a late night shopping event, kicks off tonight in New York and London. Now in its third year Fashion's Night Out was the brainchild of Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

Change Agent
Putting pizzazz into pet adoption

Adopt & Shop flips the somber animal shelter into a snazzy pet boutique.

Stocks close higher, Dow ends above 12,000

The Dow gained about 123 points, and the Nasdaq gained about 39 points, led by gains in energy

Stocks close lower ahead of jobs report

Dow falls 139 points and S&P drops 0.9 percent. Investors wait for direction from Friday's employment numbers.

Holiday cards, decorating too onerous? Outsource.

Holiday cards mailed. Homes decorated. Gifts bought. St. Louis service firms see rebound in holiday business.

The New Economy
Black Friday? Nordstrom Rack goes one better.

Black Friday draws attention, but Nordstrom Rack is offering a deal with a different twist: a $50 coupon for $25, which is good through Dec. 31.

Opinion: Why Ramadan in Egypt means overeating and John Travolta on TV

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is a time for restraint and religious devotion, marked by fasting and charity. But in Egypt, Muslims consume three times their regular amount of food, work less, and watch more TV.

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.

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.

USA

Why I am not a handyman

To me a table saw is a weapon of mass destruction.

Before you buy those organic bluejeans...

Which is most ecofriendly, organic cotton or polyester? The answer may surprise you.

Before you buy those organic bluejeans...

Which is most ecofriendly, organic cotton or polyester? The answer may surprise you.

Weigh benefits carefully in today's job market

Flextime, healthcare, and retirement perks may be a bigger plus than a pay raise.