Outgoing, but a little leery of color, Target shopper Karen takes a leap of faith as style guru Nina Garcia gives her an easy chic update featuring COLORED DENIM

Not to be outdone by Walmart.com, Sears Holdings Corp. is expanding its online marketplace to attract more merchants that want to sell their merchandise on Sears.com.

Only 9 percent of midstate companies plan to hire more employees from October to December, the survey said.

THERE were many reasons the federal government’s cash-for-clunkers program this summer was wildly popular: consumers loved the idea of saving on a new car, helping the environment and ensuring future savings on fuel. There was also the convenience of accomplishing all this in a single transaction.

Donald G. Fisher, who co-founded apparel giant Gap Inc., has died at age 81 after a long battle with cancer.

Shoppers plan to spend an average of $56.31 for this year’s Halloween, down from $66.54 in 2008, according to a survey released today by the National Retail Federation, a Washington- based trade group. Total spending will decline 18 percent to $4.8 billion from $5.8 billion last year, the NRF said.

On one hand, Kim Koster is putting off buying a new SUV for a year in hopes that the economy improves. On the other, the recession hasn’t stopped the Brentwood mom from buying luxury brands like Coach and road tripping to Atlanta to shop at Nordstrom.

Well known for its low-cost home furnishings, Ikea is enjoying newfound popularity as a dining destination with shoppers who like its cheap, kid-friendly cafeteria.

Counting on Parents’ Wallets, Retailers Lower the Music, Brighten Lights and Try Other Strategies

The National Retail Federation estimates the average family with children in kindergarten through Grade 12 will spend $548.72 on school-related purchases this fall. Layaway plans allow parents to select all their school merchandise at once, and pay for it over periods ranging from 30 to 60 days, depending on the store.

During the toughest of economic times - amid cost-cutting measures, staffing reductions and delayed investments - customer service often suffers as well. Yet excellent service is one of the most crucial ways for a company to withstand and ensure success in the future, experts say.

Companies as diverse as McDonald’s, Ford, and American Express are revamping their marketing to win back that most valuable of corporate assets.

When it comes to health care, small business owners are pretty pessimistic.

A recent analysis of BIGresearch’s Simultaneous Media Usage Survey (SIMM 14) looked at moms’ shopping patterns.

Retailer Will Set Up Temporary Stores, Many in Malls, in Big Selling Season to Boost Share and Combat Sears

Stores know, that in light of the recession and more Web-based shopping sites, that they have to try harder for business.

Retail sales surged in August as consumers swapped their old cars for new ones under the government’s “cash-for-clunkers” program and spent more on gasoline at convenience stores.

Celebrity branding isn’t a new phenomenon. But the rise of magazines and blogs that track celebrities’ every move has given people like Mr. Timberlake, named GQ magazine’s best-dressed man this year, more clout in influencing mainstream fashion trends than some designers.

Did you know that 6,000 people a year are injured by hard plastic packaging?

To help would-be entrepreneurs get started, USA TODAY has outlined some of the more popular types of businesses that people start, as well as their pros and cons.