Winter Holidays

MINNEAPOLIS — Target is the latest in a line of retailers to put out a list of what it thinks will be the top toys of the holiday season. Many of Target's hottest toys, including FIJIT friends and the LeapFrog branded LeapPad, are also on toy lists for Toys"R"Us, Kmart and Walmart. 

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it is partnering with designers Albertus Swanepoel and Dana Kellin to introduce two affordable, limited-edition accessories collections beginning this fall.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it is partnering with internationally renowned designer Josie Natori to introduce its first limited-edition collection of lingerie and loungewear.

In addition to all the various strategies Walmart has in place to restore same-store sales growth to its U.S. division. A major factor in its favor is that the size of the pie is expected to growth this year.

The National Retail Federation is out with its annual forecast, and according to the trade group, holiday sales are expected to increase 2.8% to $465.6 billion. While that growth is less than the 5.2% increase retailers experienced last year, it is slightly higher than the 10-year average holiday sales increase of 2.6%, according to NRF.

WASHINGTON — A report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation predicted an average holiday shopping season. According to the NRF forecast, holiday retail sales for 2011 are expected to increase 2.8% to $465.6 billion. While that growth is far lower than the 5.2% increase retailers experienced last year, it is slightly higher than the 10-year average holiday sales increase of 2.6%, according to NRF.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Thursday by the National Retail Federation predicted an average holiday shopping season. According to the NRF forecast, holiday retail sales for 2011 are expected to increase 2.8% to $465.6 billion. While that growth is far lower than the 5.2% increase retailers experienced last year, it is slightly higher than the 10-year average holiday sales increase of 2.6%, according to NRF.

New York City -- J.C. Penney is adding holiday shops on its main floor, the Associated Press reported.

The "Wrapt" shop concept will debut in the company’s Manhattan store this week. It will be rolled out to the chain’s stores nationwide on Oct. 24.

The in-store shops will carry about 300 items, with the majority exclusive to J.C. Penney, according to the report.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — While Toys"R"Us and Kmart were among the first retailers to release their hot toy lists, Walmart wasn't too far behind this year, offering many of the same toys as the aforementioned companies, and even some exclusives.