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The article reports on the economic conditions in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2018. Topics discussed include the expansion of the country's economy at an annualized rate of 3.5 percent, economic indicators such as corporate spending, stock prices, and retail inventory, and the possible slowdown of the U.S. economy in the fourth quarter of the year.

The article discusses the New York City boutique Story, owned by Rachel Shechtman, which operates on a rotating themes and merchandise system. Topics include the themes and rotation system of the store's merchandise, Shechtman's marketing techniques, and relationships between retail advertisement and the media. The expansion of the store and its demographic is also discussed.

The article looks at how inventory at major retail chains is being kept lean due to the fact that retailers and manufacturers now share more sales and inventory information via sophisticated technology. According to the author, the forthcoming release of the latest big-screen televisions, digital cameras and MP3 players will not result in widespread discounts of older models. It is the author's view that consumers can still find a good deal. The author suggests that there is a rhythm to the introduction of many consumer products.

IT should come as no surprise to anyone that 2009 wasn't a stellar year for retailers specializing in home furnishings -- or in just about anything else. According to the Census Bureau's most recent monthly retail trade report, sales at furniture and home furnishings stores were down 11.9 percent last year from 2008. Even so, the news isn't all bad. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on the business of the clothing retailer Gap Inc. It is stated that due to the elimination of jobs and reduced inventory the profit of the company rose for the first time in eight quarters in 2007. The company stated that it would repurchase its shares worth $1.5bn including some shares from its founding Fisher family. It is noted that Gap provided fewer discounts and reduced the number of items in stores.

The article reports that the second quarter profit of athletic-shoe retailer Foot Locker Inc. has decreased due to company's move to cut prices to clear out inventory in 2007. The company registered a net loss of $18 million. Revenue of the company reduced by 1.5 percent to $1.28 billion. Shares of the retailer decreased by 31 cents to $15.33 on the New York Stock Exchange.

The article presents information on several reports on the U.S. economy for April-June 2007. A report by the U.S. Department of Labor states that the numbers of workers signing for first time unemployment benefits went down by 1,000. It states that the U.S. Department of Commerce's data shows an increase in wholesaler inventories by 0.5%. The Flow of Funds quarterly report by the U.S. Federal Reserve shows an increase in household net worth by 1.3 trillion.

The article informs that the U.S. Commerce Department has disclosed on February 14, 2007 that retail sales were flat in January 2007, the poorest performance since a 0.2 percent drop in sales in October 2006. The department said that business inventories were unchanged in December 2006 at $1.37 trillion.

The article reports on the plan by RadioShack Corp. to close 400 to 700 of its stores and drop slow-moving items from its inventory.

Reports on the increase of inventories at wholesalers and distributors following the rise of automotive stocks in the U.S.

Discusses how Chrysler, a unit of DaimlerChrysler Corp., is not drastically increasing its rebates, as it enjoys surging sales. Comparison to General Motors and Ford, which are increasing incentives to combat slipping market share and rising inventories; Description of cars that are generating sales for Chrysler; Analysis of the company's market position.

Reports on the excess inventory trade where unsellable retail items get a new life. State of the business in the slow economy; Reduction in retailer mistakes which is hurting the business including Active International based in New York; Reasons for the reduction in errors; Role of technology in reducing inventory; Competition from eBay and Overstock.com; Search for growth which has some companies getting into real estate; Workings of the trade.

Discusses how the Monday after Thanksgiving is the beginning of the holiday shopping season for online retailers in the U.S. Reasons for the online shopping surge, including online shopping by people at work; Overview of sales by online stores; Growth of consumer electronics, computer hardware, and apparel online; Why online sales appear to be increasing even through the growth in Internet usage has slowed; Role of Amazon in the discounting that dominates sales both online and off; Views of retailers.