Defying stubborn department store and mall traffic weakness — and after an abysmal start to the retail year — consumers are loosening their purse strings, just in time for the critical holiday season.
A robust stock market and high levels of consumer confidence means good news for retailers this holiday season. But that doesn't mean Black Friday will be a blow-out.
It's only the beginning of November, but some ominous indicators are surfacing for department stores as they head into their most important shopping season.
