CHRISTMAS

Talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, headed to the White House on Thursday for an interview with the president and his wife ahead of airing a Christmas Special.

U.S. retailers from Macy's to Costco posted much weaker-than-expected sales for November as shoppers focused only on big bargains at the start of the key holiday selling season.

U.S. retailers from Macy's to Costco posted much weaker-than-expected sales for November as shoppers focused only on big bargains at the start of the key holiday selling season.

Several U.S. retailers posted weaker-than-expected sales for November, getting the key holiday season off to a sluggish start as consumers worried about the economy and double-digit unemployment.

The number of planned layoffs at U.S. firms shrank in November to the lowest level in nearly two years, suggesting corporate labor force cuts are tapering off even if actual hiring appears a distant prospect.

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Shares of Best Buy Co Inc , Amazon.com and American Eagle Outfitters Inc rose on Monday morning as investors bet they were gaining a larger share of spending over the holiday shopping season.

Investors took a dim view of early holiday season sales on Monday, with shares of Best Buy , Amazon and American Eagle Outfitters among the few positive performers on hopes they were gaining a larger share of consumer spending.

Australian upmarket department store David Jones Ltd is cautiously confident about its sales performance over the upcoming Christmas sales period, Chief Executive Mark McInnes said on Monday.

Struggling to hide the love handles or muffin top for that holiday party? Underwear makers are finding the desire for a snap svelte silhouette has created a booming line for women, and now men, in shapewear.

Consumers spent significantly less per person at the start of the holiday season this weekend, dimming hopes for a retail comeback that would help propel the economy early in 2010.

Sales may have risen only slightly on Black Friday as U.S. shoppers sought deals on electronics, toys and clothes, but retailers appeared to have been better-prepared to protect margins against tepid results.

Sales may have risen only slightly on Black Friday as U.S. shoppers sought deals on electronics, toys and clothes, but retailers appeared to have been better-prepared to protect margins against tepid results.

In a worrisome sign for retailers, data released on Saturday showed that sales rose a scant 0.5 percent on the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season despite early signs of a strong showing.

Black Friday sales rose just 0.5 percent to $10.66 billion after rising 3 percent in 2008, ShopperTrak said on Saturday, a rise that may disappoint investors who had expected retailers to see a bigger boost this year.

Singer Bob Dylan reminisces about Christmas past, turkey dinners and his favorite holiday songs in a rare interview in a magazine for homeless people.

The queen of daytime will interview the president of the United States during an ABC holiday special that brings together Oprah Winfrey andBarack Obama.

Americans headed to stores in droves to kick off the holiday shopping season on Friday, though many said they were being more selective about what they buy and paring back what they spend.

A return to lavish bonuses for Wall Street's top earners could be just the tonic that the Swiss watch industry needs this Christmas after months of austerity depressed sales.

Australian businesses are being urged to be more vigilant about preventing sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace during the Christmas party season when alcohol and pent-up grievances could prove a heady mix.

Up to 134 million U.S. consumers may shop for holiday gifts this Thanksgiving weekend, although most will check the bargains before venturing out, according to a survey released on Tuesday.