Tiffany & Co. 3Q profit dips; domestic sales fall AP (November 25, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Tiffany & Co.'s third-quarter profit dipped 1 percent, partly on weaker U.S. sales as shoppers continued to curb their discretionary spending, the company said Wednesday.
Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods 3Q profit up on lower costs AP (November 25, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Russian dairy, food and juice company Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods said Wednesday that its third-quarter profit climbed on reduced expenses.
Stores look to basics to draw in holiday shoppers AP (November 25, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - As stores prepare for hordes of Black Friday shoppers and mark down high-definition TVs and hot toys, they're also pushing deals on something more mundane - necessities like socks and diapers.
Before you buy that gift, know the return policy AP (November 25, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - It's OK if your boyfriend doesn't like the digital camera you bought him. So long as he doesn't open the box.
Year after NY stampede, Black Friday gets makeover AP (November 25, 2009) VALLEY STREAM, N.Y. (AP) - Victoria Rogers had originally planned to make an early stop the day after Thanksgiving last year at the Walmart store in Valley Stream on Long Island. Her last-minute decision against it might have saved her life.
The nuts and bolts of Black Friday AP (November 25, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - The nation's stores usher in the traditional start of the holiday shopping season Friday with extended hours, freebies and deep discounts on everything from toys to flat-panel TVs.
Texas, retailer Conn's settle warranty dispute AP (November 25, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - The Texas Attorney General's Office has announced a $4.5 million settlement of its lawsuit against the Conn's Inc. appliance chain.
Diedrich: Green Mountain's $265M bid superior AP (November 25, 2009) IRVINE, Calif. (AP) - Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Inc. bested a rival Wednesday, after the board at Diedrich Coffee Inc. said its all-cash buyout offer trumped a dueling cash-and-stock bid.
Signet Jewelers posts narrower loss in 3rd quarter AP (November 24, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Signet Jewelers Ltd., the parent of Kay Jewelers and other retail chains, said Tuesday it posted a smaller third-quarter loss as the jeweler cut costs and gained market share.
Zale posts wider 1Q loss but beats Street forecast AP (November 24, 2009) DALLAS (AP) - Zale Corp. reported a bigger fiscal first-quarter loss on Tuesday, hurt by a 10 percent drop in revenue as demand for jewelry remained soft in the weak economy, and a tax benefit helped results a year ago.
NY grocer plans to close 53 stores, lay off 4,000 AP (November 24, 2009) SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - The Penn Traffic Co. has told New York officials it will close dozens of supermarkets in upstate New York and lay off more than 4,000 employees.
NH hopes out-of-staters will stay and shop AP (November 24, 2009) CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - New Hampshire hotels and inns hope out-of-staters will stay as well as shop this holiday season.
Consumer group warns about toy hazards AP (November 24, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Holiday shoppers should look out for toy hazards such as small parts, loud sounds, soft plastics and lead contamination, consumer advocates warned Tuesday.
Saks extends maturity date on revolving credit AP (November 24, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Saks Inc. said Tuesday it has extended the maturity date of its revolving credit facility, which has a borrowing capacity of $500 million, and changed certain terms of the loan.
CPSC chief pledges swift action after crib recall AP (November 24, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission promised swift action to get dangerous products off the market, after acknowledging Tuesday that it didn't move quickly enough on a record recall of more than 2 million cribs linked to four deaths.
TV retailer QVC joins `Black Friday' frenzy AP (November 23, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Television retailer QVC has made aggressive plans to keep shoppers watching - instead of mall-hopping - on Black Friday, an event it has traditionally ignored.
Kimbo Slice to make UFC debut Dec. 5 AP (November 23, 2009) LAS VEGAS (AP) - Kimbo Slice will make his official Ultimate Fighting Championship debut on Dec. 5 in Las Vegas.
Medical marijuana finds social outlet in Ore. cafe AP (November 23, 2009) PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - At the newly opened Cannabis Cafe, people sit around taking tokes from a "vaporizer" - a contraption with a big plastic bag that captures the potent vapors of heated marijuana. Glass jars hold donations of dried, milky-green weed, and the cafe serves up meals and
Winfrey to interview widow of Ted Kennedy AP (November 23, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Another interview coup for Oprah Winfrey: Vicki Kennedy, wife of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy.
Analyst predicts small auto sales comeback in 2010 AP (November 23, 2009) DETROIT (AP) - The U.S. auto industry will recover only a little next year, weighed down by high unemployment and other troubles that will continue to limit economic growth, a top industry analyst said Monday.
McDonald's makes its logo more 'green' in Europe AP (November 23, 2009) BERLIN (AP) - McDonald's is going green - swapping its traditional red backdrop for a deep hunter green - to promote a more eco-friendly image in Europe.
How the poll on debt stress was conducted AP (November 23, 2009) (AP) - The Associated Press-GfK Poll on debt, stress and holiday spending was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media from Nov. 5-9, 2009. It was based on landline and cell phone telephone interviews with a nationally representative random sample of 1,006 adults. Interviews were conducted with 806 respondents on landline telephones and 200 on cellular phones.
Ahead of the Bell: Gap turnaround may be bumpy AP (November 20, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Retailer Gap Inc. said its sales are improving after a tough few years, and a big advertising push this holiday season could boost sales - but analysts caution that a rebound may be bumpy given the rough retail environment.
Gap profit up 25 pct in 3Q as Old Navy recovers AP (November 20, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Shoppers spent more money at low-price Old Navy stores in the third quarter, helping Gap Inc.'s profit climb 25 percent compared with last year, the retailer said Thursday.
Judge strikes down Tennessee guns-in-bars law AP (November 20, 2009) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Tennessee's new law allowing people with handgun permits to be armed in bars and restaurants that serve alcohol is unconstitutionally vague, a judge ruled on Friday.
America's Car-Mart fiscal 2Q profit rises AP (November 20, 2009) BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Auto retailer America's Car-Mart Inc. reported on Friday a 61 percent higher fiscal second-quarter profit, as consumers turned to the used car market amid tighter credit restrictions.
Sears narrows 3Q loss on cost-cutting efforts AP (November 19, 2009) HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. (AP) - Sears Holdings Corp. posted a smaller third-quarter loss Thursday because it cut costs and better matched inventory with falling sales.
Gap profit climbs 25 percent in 3Q AP (November 19, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Shoppers spent more money at low-price Old Navy stores in the third quarter this year, helping Gap Inc.'s profit climb 25 percent compared with last year, the retailer said Thursday.
Recovery in developed economies gathering pace AP (November 19, 2009) PARIS (AP) - Recovery in developed economies will accelerate next year due to "substantial improvements" in financial markets and fast-growing Asian countries, but is likely to remain fragile, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said Thursday as it doubled its 2010 growth forecast.
US recovery seen outpacing Europe in 2010 AP (November 19, 2009) PARIS (AP) - The world's rich and developed economies will grow faster next year, but recovery will remain modest, with the U.S. and Japan outpacing Europe, a Paris-based watchdog said Thursday as it raised its forecasts.
Owner of famed NYC bagel biz hit with tax charges AP (November 19, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Prosecutors say the owner of a storied New York City bagel business shortchanged the state out of a lot of dough by cheating on taxes.
Ahead of the Bell: Leading economic indicators AP (November 19, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Analysts expect a private forecast of U.S. economic activity rose for the seventh straight month in October, a sign the recovery will continue next year although probably at a plodding pace.
Casual Male Retail Group posts smaller 3Q loss AP (November 19, 2009) CANTON, Mass. (AP) - Casual Male Retail Group Inc., which sells men's clothing under the brand names Casual Male XL and Rochester Big & Tall, said Tuesday it posted a smaller third-quarter loss by trimming expenses and improving merchandise margins to offset weak sales.
Senators blast Web sites for scamming shoppers AP (November 18, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - With Cyber Monday, the unofficial start of the Internet holiday shopping season nearing, a Senate committee Tuesday condemned three online companies, saying they are tricking consumers into signing up for subscription services they don't want.
Calif. requires TVs to be more energy efficient AP (November 18, 2009) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Power-hungry TVs will be banned from store shelves in California after state regulators Wednesday adopted a first-in-the-nation mandate to reduce electricity demand.
Consumer prices up 0.3 percent in October AP (November 18, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumer prices edged up faster than expected in October, driven higher by another increase in energy prices and the biggest jump in new car prices in 28 years.
Ahead of the Bell: Consumer Prices AP (November 18, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumer prices likely rose modestly in October as inflation remains subdued during the early stages of a broad economic recovery.
Saks posts surprise 3Q profit on lower costs AP (November 17, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Luxury department store retailer Saks Inc. said Tuesday it eked out a surprise third-quarter profit by trimming expenses and scaling back on promotions and clearance merchandise.
TJX 3Q profit rises 32 pct as shoppers seek deals AP (November 17, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - TJX Cos. Inc. says its fiscal third-quarter profit rose 32 percent as shoppers looked for bargains at the discount retailer's chains.
Wal-Mart offers savings on toys, video games AP (November 17, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Tuesday unveiled weekly savings starting this Saturday on popular toys and video games that it is pitching as comparable to the sales blitz the day after Thanksgiving.
Target profit climbs 18 pct in 3Q on lower costs AP (November 17, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Target's profit climbed more than 18 percent up in the third quarter as the discount department store chain cut costs and amped up its fight with rival Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
Retail sales rise 1.4 percent in October AP (November 16, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Retail sales rose more than expected in October due largely to a big rebound in auto sales. But broader consumer spending remains under pressure, raising questions about the durability of the recovery.
Lowe's 3Q profit falls but co. sees signs for hope AP (November 16, 2009) MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Lowe's Cos., the No. 2 home-improvement retailer, said Monday its third-quarter profit fell 30 percent as customers continued to delay large purchases amid a weak economy. But Lowe's said some of the hardest hit home markets are stabilizing.
Businesses cut inventories for 13th straight month AP (November 16, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Businesses slashed inventories for a 13th consecutive month in September although the pace of reductions slowed from the previous month.
World stocks buoyant ahead of US retail sales data AP (November 16, 2009) LONDON (AP) - World stock markets advanced Monday after figures confirmed that Japan, the world's second biggest economy, was growing strongly and ahead of key U.S. retail sales data.
Ahead of the Bell: Business Inventories AP (November 16, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. businesses likely slashed inventories for a 14th consecutive month in September, although sales have been rising.
Arrest at Walmart leads to charges of racism AP (November 16, 2009) ST. LOUIS (AP) - Nearly three years after Heather Ellis switched checkout lines at a southeast Missouri store and touched off what she calls a racially charged dispute with white customers and authorities, the young black schoolteacher faces a trial that could send her to prison for 15 years.
Eurozone consumer prices down 0.1 percent in Oct AP (November 16, 2009) LONDON (AP) - Consumer prices in the 16 countries that use the euro fell by 0.1 percent in the year to October, official figures confirmed Monday.
Ahead of the Bell: Retail Sales AP (November 16, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Retail sales likely rose in October with part of the strength coming from a rebound in auto sales. Even with a gain, economists worry that consumer spending, the critical ingredient for overall economic growth, could falter in the months ahead.
Wal-Mart offers clothes vendors new payment option AP (November 13, 2009) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's biggest retailer, is offering its clothing vendors a faster way to get paid.
J.C. Penney reports sharp drop in 3Q profit AP (November 13, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Department store chain J.C. Penney Co. reported a 78 percent drop in its third-quarter earnings because of a big expense for its pension plan, and its revenue slipped from a year earlier.
Abercrombie & Fitch 3rd-quarter profit falls AP (November 13, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Preppy clothing seller Abercrombie & Fitch Co. will add new items at lower prices and continue expanding internationally - where sales are stronger than the U.S. - to combat declining profit as the U.S. economy remains weak.
Arizona grocery strike averted with tentative deal AP (November 13, 2009) PHOENIX (AP) - Thousands of Arizona supermarket workers won't go on strike as they planned Friday night after union leaders and two grocery chains announced a tentative labor deal 12 hours before the protest was to begin.
Americans may be settling into spending less AP (November 12, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Americans spent about the same amount in October as in August and September, according to figures released Thursday by a key data service, and they may be settling into new low-spending habits.
Urban Outfitters 3rd-quarter profit up 5 percent AP (November 12, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Apparel retailer Urban Outfitters Inc. said Thursday profit rose 5 percent, as higher sales at its Anthropologie chain helped offset weaker results at its Urban Outfitters and Free People stores.
Wal-Mart posts 3 percent rise in profit for 3Q AP (November 12, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. posted a 3.2 percent increase in third-quarter profit, helped by cost-cutting measures like slashing inventories, and raised its full-year earnings outlook.
APEC ministers plot ways to sustain recovery AP (November 12, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Asia-Pacific nations pledged Thursday to embrace more flexible exchange rates and stable growth strategies as economies start to scale back their stimulus spending after the global downturn.
Higher oil prices seen threatening global recovery AP (November 12, 2009) (AP) - Rising oil prices could imperil a modest increase in crude demand and the recovery of the global economy, the International Energy Agency said Thursday as it raised its outlook for oil demand this year.
Cost cuts, exclusive brands drive Kohl's 3Q profit AP (November 12, 2009) MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (AP) - Kohl's Corp.'s sales of exclusive brands and tight inventory control helped its third-quarter profit rise 21 percent, the company said Thursday.
World Bank warns unemployment threatens US economy AP (November 11, 2009) SINGAPORE (AP) - Stubbornly high joblessness threatens to trigger loan defaults and drag on consumption next year, hobbling a U.S. economy struggling to rebound from recession, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said Wednesday.
Wal-Mart to keep stores open to ease Black Friday AP (November 11, 2009) BENTONVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Wal-Mart Stores said Wednesday it will keep its stores open 24 hours and take new crowd-control measures Thanksgiving weekend after a temporary employee was trampled to death in a Black Friday rush last year.
Macy's posts smaller 3Q loss, raises outlook AP (November 11, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Macy's Inc. reported a smaller third-quarter loss as the department store operator benefited from tight inventory controls and a move to localize merchandise by region, leading it to raise its full-year profit and sales outlook.
Researcher: `Clunkers' program boosted auto sales AP (November 11, 2009) MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - A Ball State University researcher who analyzed the federal government's Cash for Clunkers program says it fueled a spike in auto sales over the summer.
Macy's posts smaller 3rd-quarter loss AP (November 11, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Macy's Inc. is reporting a smaller loss in its third quarter from a year ago as the department store operator benefits from tight inventory controls and a move to localize merchandise to regional markets.
Treasury: China must boost domestic demand AP (November 10, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - China must continue to work to boost domestic demand to avoid global imbalances in the flows of trade and investments between nations, a senior U.S. Treasury official said Tuesday.
Md. grocery store evacuated after 14 fall ill AP (November 10, 2009) BETHESDA, Md. (AP) - Six people are on their way to the hosptial after a strange smell sickened more than a dozen people at a Maryland grocery store.
Former Wal-Mart CEO joins private equity firm AP (November 10, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Lee Scott, former Wal-Mart Stores Inc. CEO and president, has joined the private equity firm Solamere Capital as an operating partner and a member of its investment committee.
Foreign sales keep McDonald's above water in Oct. AP (November 09, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - McDonald's Corp., the world's largest fast-food chain, said Monday that monthly sales growth edged down in October in the U.S., only the third time the monthly figures hasn't climbed in 6 1/2 years.
Minn. burger joint settles with McDonald's over ad AP (November 06, 2009) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minnesota hamburger parlor and McDonald's Corp. have settled a federal lawsuit over the phrase, "Who's your patty?"
Deja vu: Wal-Mart, Amazon, Target in DVD price war AP (November 06, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is upping the ante heading into the holiday season, trimming the online preorder prices of some upcoming DVDs following last month's price cut on books.
G20 officials to wrestle over economic imbalances AP (November 06, 2009) ST. ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) - Finance officials from rich and developing countries face difficult negotiations over how to even out the imbalances weighing on the world economy as they gather Friday for a summit at a seaside hotel in Scotland.
October sales offer relief to merchants AP (November 05, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Consumers, enticed by cooler weather, early holiday discounts and an improving economy, spent a little more in October, handing the retail industry its second consecutive monthly sales gain after more than a year of declines.
Gymboree 3rd-qtr sales comparison falls 4 percent AP (November 05, 2009) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The Gymboree Corp. on Thursday said its third-quarter sales at stores open at least a year fell 4 percent, but the children's retailer nevertheless raised its profit forecast for the period.
'Clunker' data show pickup-for-pickup trades AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Billed as a way for the government to put more fuel-efficient vehicles on highways, the popular $3 billion Cash for Clunkers program mostly involved swaps of old Ford or Chevrolet pickups for new ones that got only marginally better gas mileage, according to an analysis of new federal data by The Associated Press.
Macerich 3Q results fall 10 pct. as revenue dips AP (November 05, 2009) SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) - Mall operator Macerich Co. on Thursday said its third quarter funds from operations slid 10 percent as revenue fell.
American Eagle Outfitters Oct. sales fall AP (November 05, 2009) PITTSBURGH (AP) - Teen apparel retailer American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Thursday that sales in stores open at least a year fell 5 percent in October, missing analyst expectations that the key metric would increase.
TJX posts 10 percent increase in same-store sales AP (November 05, 2009) FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (AP) - Discount retailer TJX Cos. said Thursday that sales in stores open at least one year rose 10 percent in October on strong demand at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls stores.
J.C. Penney Oct. sales comparison off 4.5 percent AP (November 05, 2009) PLANO, Texas (AP) - J.C. Penney Co. Inc. on Thursday said sales at stores open at least a year fell 4.5 percent in October, hurt in part by Halloween landing on Saturday.
Aeropostale sales metric up but misses estimates AP (November 05, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Teen and children's apparel retailer Aeropostale Inc. said Thursday that sales at stores open at least a year rose 3 percent in October, but analysts expected a higher increase and shares tumbled.
Northern Calif. town bans medical marijuana shops AP (November 05, 2009) RED BLUFF, Calif. (AP) - A small Northern California city has banned medical marijuana growing and dispensing, a move opponents say will bring lawsuits.
Fred's key sales measure rises in October AP (November 05, 2009) MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Discount retailer Fred's Inc. said Thursday sales in stores open at least a year edged up 0.4 percent in October, missing analyst expectations.
Starbucks says more customers visit and spend more AP (November 05, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - More people are visiting Starbucks Corp. coffee shops this year than last, and they're spending more money when they do, an executive said Thursday.
Wendy's/Arby's earns $14.7 million in 3Q AP (November 05, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Fewer customers gulped down Arby's roast beef sandwiches at the third quarter, as more and more fast-food diners stayed home because of the recession, Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. said Thursday.
Limited Brands Oct. same-store sales fall AP (November 05, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Limited Brands Inc. said Thursday its October sales at stores open at least a year dropped 4 percent, falling short of Wall Street predictions.
Eurozone retail sales drop in Sept AP (November 05, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - Retail sales in the 16 countries that use the euro dropped by 0.7 percent in September, European Union statistics showed Thursday, evidence the economic recovery will be slow and bumpy.
Abercrombie & Fitch same-store sales drop AP (November 05, 2009) NEW ALBANY, Ohio (AP) - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. said Thursday that sales in stores open at least a year sank 15 percent in September, slightly worse than analysts predicted.
Target October sales comparison nearly flat AP (November 05, 2009) MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Discount retailer Target Corp. said Thursday sales in stores open at least one year edged down 0.1 percent in October as consumers bought necessities like healthcare products but shied away from higher-ticket items like electronics and sporting goods.
Saks key sales metric in October edges up slightly AP (November 05, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Saks Inc. said Thursday sales at stores open at least a year rose 0.7 percent in October, beating analyst estimates of a decline.
Judge: Mich. man can sue store he robbed AP (November 04, 2009) MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan judge says a man who claims he was chased, shot and beaten by workers at a store he'd just robbed can sue the men. But only if he comes up with $10,000 within two weeks.
Landry's Restaurants OKs $1.2B acquisition offer AP (November 03, 2009) HOUSTON (AP) - The chairman and CEO of Landry's Restaurants Inc. finally got what he was after Tuesday, as the restaurant owner's board approved his $1.2 billion all-cash offer to take the company private.
EU lifts 2010 growth forecast AP (November 03, 2009) BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Commission on Tuesday predicted that the EU and eurozone will grow in 2010 at a modest rate of 0.7 percent as the economy moves from a sharp recession to a hesitant and fragile recovery.
Shoppers, small businesses planning to spend less AP (November 03, 2009) (AP) - TIGHT-FISTED?: A third of U.S. adults said they would spend less this year than they did in 2008 on gifts, while 49 percent would spend about the same amount, according to a Consumer Reports poll on holiday shopping.
CDC: Contaminated beef may be linked to 2 deaths AP (November 02, 2009) ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - Two deaths and 26 other illnesses may be linked to fresh ground beef that has been recalled because it might be contaminated with E. coli bacteria, a federal health official said Monday.
Forrester projects rise in online holiday sales AP (November 02, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Forrester Research Inc. is projecting an 8 percent increase to $44.7 billion in online holiday sales compared with a year ago as bargain hunters turn to the Web for deals.
Office Depot sees wider 3Q loss, but beats Street AP (October 29, 2009) BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) - Office-supply chain Office Depot Inc. on Thursday said its third-quarter loss widened on restructuring charges and a continued sales slump amid the recession.
Geithner says economy on the mend AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said he sees positive signs that the economy is recovering, although the recession remains "alive and acute" for families dealing with unemployment and facing home foreclosure.
Economy grows in 3Q, signals end of recession AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes. It's the strongest signal yet that the economy has entered a new, though fragile, phase of recovery and that the worst recession s
Burger King profit slips for first quarter AP (October 29, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Burger King Corp.'s fiscal first-quarter profit slipped 6 percent as recession-weary diners stayed home or went bargain-hunting at competitors, the company said Thursday.
Obama to lay out plans to help small businesses AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama speaks Thursday morning to small business leaders about the administration's plans to offer them assistance.
AutoNation posts profit in 3Q on lower costs AP (October 29, 2009) RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - AutoNation Inc., the nation's largest automotive retailer, said Thursday it made money in the third quarter as lower costs and a boost from the Cash for Clunkers program helped it recover from a loss in the year-ago period.
OfficeMax moves to 3Q profit but misses estimates AP (October 29, 2009) NAPERVILLE, Ill. (AP) - Office-supply retailer OfficeMax Inc. said Thursday it moved to a third-quarter profit from a year-ago period weighed down by a massive write-down. But results missed analyst estimates, sending shares sharply lower in premarket activity.
Judge: Fresno pot shops must close until trial AP (October 29, 2009) FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - Nine marijuana dispensaries in Fresno must shut their doors while attorneys battle in court over whether city zoning laws banning dispensaries can trump the state laws that allow them.