Strong earnings from Nordstrom, Macy’s and Dollar General suggest pent-up demand and a reframing of what people consider essential spending.

Hiring too many workers — many of them part time — was an effort to avoid losing sales.

Big stores like Walmart and Target didn’t foresee consumers pivoting away from shopping and toward going out.

Raise prices? Order more inventory, or less? Business owners describe how they’re dealing with dramatic changes in market conditions.

Optoro, which manages returns for Target and Ikea, says consumers will send back $120 billion worth of goods this season.

An early picture of the all-important selling season looks decent.

Smaller businesses that sell locally sourced goods, or provide services, don’t always need faraway suppliers.

Retail centers in wealthy neighborhoods with high-end shops have survived, but middle- and lower-tier malls may struggle.

Employers want to keep their workers happy in this tight labor market — and holiday staffing is expensive.

Retailers and manufacturers are anxious about holiday shopping as they monitor supplies on delayed cargo ships.