Consumer Electronics

Marketing claims about the lowest prices on the season on limited quantities for limited times are common throughout the holidays as retailers look to create a sense of urgency and close the sale with consumers. But haven’t consumer grown wise to these tactics?

With the exception of apparel markdowns, consumers have learned and retailers have taught them that another low price is just around the corner and that quantities are unlimited even though featured items may change.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced Monday that it is offering customers last-minute deals on such brands as Craftsman, DieHard, Kenmore, NordicTrack, Lands' End and Kardashian Kollection. 

Deals being offered at Sears stores Dec. 23 to Dec. 24 include 70% off fine jewelry, up to 65% off fashion boots, 35% off fragrance sets, 50% off all Craftsmen Mechanics tool sets, 60% off the NordicTrack fleece at only $9.99 (Reg. $26 ), Samsung 46-inch 3D TV for $999.99 (save $600 ) and 55% off sleepwear and sets for kids.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Inland Western Retail Real Estate Trust has announced the acquisition of Alamo Ranch in a joint venture with RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust. The 469,031-sq.-ft. shopping center is located in San Antonio, Texas, and was purchased for approximately $92.2 million.

There’s nothing wrong with most of the consumer electronics items that get returned to stores, according to new research by Accenture. A study by the firm found that defects only account for about 5% of the returns and the rest of the time buyers’ remorse (27%) or a perceived flaw (68%) results in the item being returned.

SEATTLE — E-readers continue to be a popular gift choice this holiday season, with Amazon.com reporting that for the third week in a row, customers are purchasing more than one million Kindle devices per week. Among its Kindle offerings, the latest, Kindle Fire, remains the most sought-after product on Amazon.com. since it was introduced 11 weeks ago.

Walmart is hoping to catch some of those last-minute shoppers by holding its "Big Christmas Event" on Saturday, Dec. 17. 

On Dec. 17, Walmart said it will offer its lowest prices of the season on toys, games, electronics, bikes and more. In addition, Walmart.com is giving customers an extra day to shop by extending its shipping deadlines. 

New York City -- Retail sales rose 0.2% in November, following a 0.6% advance in October that was more than initially reported, according to figures released Tuesday by the Commerce Department in Washington. The November increase was the slightest gain in five months. Economists projected a 0.6% November increase, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey. Purchases excluding automobiles also rose 0.2%.

Minneapolis -- Best Buy says its third-quarter net income fell 29% $154 million, from $217 million in the year-ago period, worse than analysts had expected. The retailer’s profits were hurt by declining sales in some categories, plus a $150 million one-time charge associated with the planned closing of 11 big-box stores in the United Kingdom.

Total company revenue rose 1.7% to $12.1. Same store sales rose 0.3%.