Winter Holidays

SONOMA, Calif. — Banana Republic and Clos Du Bois Winery announced that they have teamed up for a line of limited-edition wine bottles adorned with festive labels designed by Banana Republic creative director Simon Kneen. The wine bottles, available in Nort Coast Chardonnay and North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon varietals, are priced under $20 and will feature Kneen's hand-sketched labels.

NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble announced that it has expanded BN.com Marketplace, adding over one million new products to the catalog. The company also announced new partnerships with Wayfair.com, Right Start, UnbeatableSale.com Inc., School Specialty Inc., Abe’s of Maine, Delivery Agent and more. By expanding its third-party marketplace, which already supports more than 10,000 retailers in the books and media categories, Barnes & Noble now offers customers a wider product selection in time for the holiday shopping season, the company reported.

CHICAGO — As many as 71% of consumers earning less than $100,000 per year are planning to trim back their spending this holiday season, according to new research, “Holiday Shopping 2011,” released Tuesday by SymphonyIRI Group.

NEW YORK — eBay announced that it has joined with designer Jonathan Adler to open The eBay Inspiration Shop, a 24/7 shoppable storefront in New York City showcasing a collection of new, must-have merchandise for the fall season. What makes the store unique, according to eBay is that customers can shop for the featured items using their smartphone.

WASHINGTON — It looks like this year's holiday shoppers have a renewed focus on value and will comparison shop by utilizing smartphones, tablets and mobile applications to make purchasing decisions, according to the latest National Retail Federation Survey.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced that it has expanded its online toy shop to provide parents with a trusted and fun resource for toy advice. 

WASHINGTON — It looks like this year's holiday shoppers have a renewed focus on value and will comparison shop by utilizing smartphones, tablets and mobile applications to make purchasing decisions, according to the latest National Retail Federation Survey.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us announced that it has once again teamed up with four-time NBA Champion, actor, philanthropist and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal to launch its eighth annual nationwide fundraising campaign to benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless ShoeSource announced that it is inviting nonprofit organizations to join the retailer in its big holiday giving program, Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids, where it will deliver more than $1.2 million of free shoes to children of families in need across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and in 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries this holiday season.  

AUSTIN — Whole Foods is focusing on immune support by offering educational podcasts, in-store lectures, a brochure and a "seasonal wellness shopping list" to customers this fall.

Whole Foods said that the promotion, which is being held during the months of October and November, is part of the Be Good to Your Whole Body campaign.