Private Equity Buyout Might be Talbots’ Last Chance Elaine Misonzhnik / Retail Traffic In December, Talbots rejected a $3 per share unsolicited buyout proposal from Sycamore Partners, a New York-based private equity firm, because its executives felt the bid undervalued the company. Facing plummeting sales and a large debt load, however, Talbots needs a savior […]

Buying a Super-Bowl-Worthy TV Deal of the Day: Prices are better than during the holiday season but experts say not for long Kelli B. Grant / SmartMoney Sports fans in the market for a new TV set before the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 may be in luck: Electronics and retail experts say many current […]

Retailing at the Crossroads The continued growth of online sales is changing the look and size of retail spaces and tenant mixes Mariwyn Evans / Realtor Magazine Understanding the impact of online sales is an imperative for retail business owners. While overall retail sales grew 7.2 percent in the year ending October 2011, according to […]

Retail sales rose in December, helping set a record high in 2011 Strong December caps a record year, but deals meant lower profits for many companies Joyce Smith / The Kansas City Star Holiday sales inched higher in December, helping retailers enjoy a record 2011 and boosting expectations that consumers will continue spending in the […]

Disappointing Sales’ Silver Lining Sarah Morgan and Quentin Fottrell / SmartMoney Consumers didn’t shop as much as economists had expected in December, according to new data released this morning. But while the disappointing report may spell trouble for investors looking for continued strength in the U.S. economy, analysts say it could be good news for […]