Nordstrom Inc. reported its first quarter net income fell a greater-than-expected 3%, hurt by weak demand for spring merchandise and softer performance in the Northeast and Midwest.

The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index (Index) dipped slightly in April, primarily due to an increase in the tax rate, while other economic fundamentals remain steady.

Wal-Mart Stores on Thursday reported profit and sales that were just below Wall Street expectations as the giant retailer struggled with a number of issues that impacted its U.S. sales, from the payroll tax increase to an unseasonably cold spring to delayed tax returns.

Consumers shopping online for Mother’s Day gifts was up 15%, spurred by mobile commerce growth of 23% over 2012, according to IBM’s Digital Analytics Benchmark, a cloud-based analysis of the online retail market.

Preliminary results from the Safeway annual stockholder’s meeting show that a majority of stockholders followed board of directors recommendations in electing each of the eight directors with a majority of at least 73%.

CBRE Group released research findings on Tuesday that showed Hong Kong continued to keep its top spot as the world's most expensive global retail market, recording prime rents nearly 150% higher than New York City.

In what could be bad news for retailers, “mass affluent” consumers (those with $50,000 to $250,000 in investable assets) and Gen Y (age 18-34) are cutting back on spending to save for retirement.

Continuing income growth means today’s Canadian youth will assume more spending power than their parents currently have during the course of their lifetimes, according to a new report from BMO Economics.

True Religion Apparel has entered into a definitive merger agreement with New York and London-based investment management firm TowerBrook Capital Partners, in a transaction valued at approximately $835 million.

Big M, owner of the Mandee, Annie Sez and Afaze apparel chains, will be sold to YM Inc., Toronto, in a $22.5 million deal expected to be approved by a bankruptcy judge next week, The Record reported.

Canadian Tire Corp. plans to spin off most of its real estate assets into a C$3.5 billion (approximately U.S. $3.49 billion) real estate investment trust, with an initial public offering expected later this year.