TOKYO --- Executives at the Japanese utility behind the nuclear plant sent into meltdown apologized to investors who repeatedly interrupted the annual meeting of shareholders.

...days that the American consumer gets excited about 25 percent off are over," said C. Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group. "Shoppers are keeping their eye on the ball for the big sales events."In November, spending rose...

NEW YORK - Chris Nobles - armed with a $150 Banana Republic gift card - is facing a dilemma.

NEW YORK - Knowing what to buy when can save you money.

NEW YORK - Retailers can blame the calendar. They can blame the weather. They can even try to blame New York City's transit strike.

Retailers can blame the calendar. They can blame the weather. They can even try to blame New York City's transit strike. But in the end the 2005 shopping season might just be another case of merchants not giving shoppers what they really want - must-have items at reasonable prices.

NEW YORK - When consumers shop for diamond bracelets this holiday season, BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. probably won't be the first retailer they think of. But luxury goods are finding their way into warehouse clubs and other low-to-moderate price retailers who want to be part of the boom in upscale merchandise.

CHICAGO - Hi, Loser. No, not you. That's the slogan on a T-shirt sold to teenagers as part of a booming trend in "attitude" clothing that is doing exactly what it was designed to do: amuse the kids wearing them while appalling their parents and teachers.

NEW YORK - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is facing a new reality: Its customers want more than just the lowest price.

...is causing them to reconsider discretionary items and big ticket purchases," said C. Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group, based in Charleston, S.C. "On the job market side, there are new jobs being added, but employees...