retail

Retailers rely on systems that require workers to be ready to work a shift — whether or not they end up working. The state attorney general is looking into the way big retailers handle scheduling.

Craning your neck in the dressing room is just part of the shopping experience. But Neiman Marcus hopes a new digital "Memory Mirror" will make it easier to find something that fits just right.

Wal-Mart has long been criticized for low pay and erratic work schedules. So when the retailer arrives in a community, it stirs controversy — but it also brings jobs and low prices.

The nation's largest retailer is known for sprawling suburban and rural stores. Now Wal-Mart is moving into city centers — sometimes despite strong local opposition.

Scent can affect how customers view a business, how long they spend shopping and how much money they spend, research shows. Businesses from stores to fitness clubs are convinced scents make sense.

In-store purchases on Black Friday fell this year, but online sales have seen a big increase. Easy comparison shopping and widespread free shipping have sweetened the deal for many online shoppers.

Most retailers are feeling optimistic as analysts forecast rising sales over this long shopping season. They are hoping Halloween will give them a good bounce into the peak spending time of the year.

Almost 50 U.S. cities and towns have banned pet stores from selling puppies. The laws are aimed at cracking down on substandard, large-scale breeders, but many store owners say the bans are unfair.

Entrepreneurs who want to launch a retail business in the fashion industry have found a more affordable way to do it — by launching food-truck-inspired rolling boutiques.