The National Retail Federation says Americans returned $743 billion in merchandise so far this year.

UPS and FedEx, not to mention Target and Walmart, are all racing to keep up with Amazon’s same- or next- day shipping options because shoppers have become used to faster delivery times.

$1.2 trillion was spent outside of brick-and-mortar stores this year — much of it online. Here’s some of the trends shaping e-commerce spending.

It’s not in-store versus online — it’s in-store and online, and something in between.

They’re trying to stay ahead of what customers, now used to online convenience and speed, expect from a retailer.

Amazon is using the technology on its mobile app to synthesize stacks of user comments into one tidy paragraph. Do you buy the idea?

As consumers favor services over buying goods, FedEx and other shippers are feeling the pinch.

Many worry that the industry’s growth has put the local environment and economy at risk.

It’s not inflation slowing, it’s actual prices falling.

With thousands of items and products to choose from, consumers need to protect themselves from making the wrong purchase.