Retail

Elmo, the furry red toy doll known for laughing hysterically, has a new update. The newest model falls and laughs as it clutches its belly.

Retailer MFI Furniture Group said on Saturday that talks over the sale of its retail operations to a private equity group were now at an advanced stage.

GUS, set to split into two FTSE 100 companies next month, reported a slight slowdown in growth at its credit information business

Strong sales of household goods and a penchant for home shopping helped retail sales rebound in August, suggesting last month's interest rate rise did not deter shoppers.

Dell Inc. plans to open its own retail stores on a city-by-city basis and does not expect to sell its personal computers through shops like Best Buy Co., a senior executive said on Tuesday.

A recent survey on consumer trends shows that male shoppers between the ages of 25-39, who are identified as the “Xoomer” generation, are creating a significant impact on the retail market place.

India's second largest petroleum company, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is planning to invest Rs. 200 crore for the purpose of automation of over 1,000 retail outlets by March 2007.

The flashy accessories that accompany top designs on fashion runways are well beyond the budgets of many a fashionista, but even the most cash-strapped consumer has one way to copy the looks - rent it.

Gateway Inc. has received an unsolicited offer from eMachines founder Lap Shun Hui to acquire the computer and printer maker's retail operations for $450 million.

The retail giant's push for profits with more upscale merchandise puts it on a collision course with Target Corp. the second largest retailer.

There's a cloud of diminished profits hanging over one of the U.S. market's leading auto parts retailers. In an economy which shows signs of slowing down and consumers are less willing to open their wallets, the company says it has to re-examine itself.

Surging energy prices helped cause unexpected drops in U.S. retail sales in June and consumer sentiment in July, reports on Friday showed, raising the prospects the Federal Reserve may be close to halting its campaign of hiking interest rates.

U.S. retail sales unexpectedly shrank in June as energy prices bit, raising concern about growth as the Federal Reserve considers halting its two-year interest rate hike campaign.

U.S. retailers, always on the lookout for hot trends, appear to be deliberately behind the times when it comes to advertising.