Worries about the state of the U.S. economy finally worked their way into same-store sales numbers in October, after several months of surprising stength. ...

As the year winds down, the annual parade of retailers headed for bankruptcy and liquidation has begun. This morning, Syms Corp. announced it was filing for Chapter 11 protection for both itself and Filene's, which became its subsidiary in 2009. ...

While the current trend in the retail industry is for big-box store operators to go smaller, niche grocery operator Trader Joe's is pursuing the opposite strategy. ...

Regional mall operator Taubman Co. is getting ready to start work on at least one new mall, according to the Detroit Free Press. ...

Given the market's current preference for discount retailers and luxury stores, it's good to hear about a mid-market department store chain expanding. Lord & Taylor will reportedly open at least three new stores in the coming months. ...

Talk about a mix of high and low! International House of Pancakes (IHOP), a decidedly unglamorous restaurant chain, will reportedly move into the upscale Limelight Marketplace retail venue in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. ...

Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo has some ambitious growth plans going forward. Recently, the chain's owner, Fast Retailing Co., announced it plans to open anywhere from 200 to 300 Uniqlo stores worldwide over the next nine years. ...

In spite of serious market-wide worries about another economic downturn, U.S. retailers posted very strong gains in September. ...

The stunning passing of Steve Jobs has led to a massive outpouring of emotion across the globe. ...