Your Lowly Penny Can Actually Buy Something

(NEWSER) - Retailers are seeing the slowest back-to-school season in many years as consumers cling to their cash, the New York Times reports. Estimates on sales, an early indicator of how stores will fare in the holiday season, show declines of 3 to 8% from last year, which saw a 1% increase. Spending is expected to drop on clothing, electronics, and every other category apart from traditional school supplies like pencils and notebooks. More»

The Office firm to put 'quabity first' in Staples deal

(NEWSER) - Fans of the Office will soon be able to buy paper made by their favorite company—though instead of purchasing it from Dwight Schrute, they’ll have to get their reams through Staples. The office-supply giant’s Quill.com has reached a licensing deal with NBCUniversal to sell Dunder Mifflin paper, the Wall Street Journal reports. The letterhead must have been approved by Michael Scott: It carries slogans like "Quabity First" and "Get Your Scrant On." More»

CEO says customers 'running out of money'

(NEWSER) - Walmart shoppers are running out of cash, pinched by high gas prices and unemployment, the company’s CEO said this week. “We’re seeing core consumers under a lot of pressure,” Mike Duke said at a retail industry gathering, according to CNN . “There’s no doubt that rising fuel prices are having an impact. … Purchases are really dropping off by the end of the month even more than last year.” More»

It teams with Michelle Obama, who declares 'victory for our children'

(NEWSER) - Wal-Mart is embarking on a plan that could have a big impact on American nutrition: It will modify its house brand to make the food healthier, and lower costs for items such as fruits and veggies, and products made with whole grain. The initiative is the result of collaboration with Michelle Obama, reports the New York Times . "It's a victory for parents. It's a victory for families, but most of all, it's a victory for our children," she said at today's announcement, notes ABC News . More»

No minimum purchase. Online retailers gulp.

(NEWSER) - Walmart just got cheaper: The retail giant today rolls out free shipping on its website with no minimum purchase, reports the New York Times. With cost-conscious consumers 55% somewhat likely to back out of a purchase if they have to pay for shipping, the move puts a ton of pressure on competing online retailers just as the holiday season ramps up. Many currently charge consumers an annual fee for unlimited free shipping, but Walmart may have set a new expectation. More»