Macy's, Inc. (M:NYSE)

A politically connected zoning investigator has returned to work at City Hall barely a week after he admitted to accepting bribes of cash and gifts to repeatedly overlook zoning violations. William Wellhausen -- who pleaded guilty Nov. 3 and was brought back to the job the following Monday -- said he's clueless why that happened. "I have no idea.

INC Dress Designed by Irina Shabayeva Available in Select Macy’s Stores in December. As cameras rolled on the season finale of Lifetime’s Project Runway last night, up-and-coming designer Irina Shabayeva won the challenge of a lifetime.

Retailers hope Black Friday will make them money. The two sides are laying out battle plans with a week to go. "If you are willing to go on the hunt, you can save a bundle, but you have to do your research," Penny Smart, of Joplin, said of Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when Christmas shopping becomes a hell-for-leather ride.

This holiday season, J.C. Penney CEO and Chairman Myron E. Ullman III is armed with a lineup of exclusive fashion brands he helped bring to the department store chain, and he's ready to battle key rivals like Macy's. During more than two decades in retailing, Ullman has seen a slew of competitors go out of business and _ as Macy's CEO in the early 1990s _ even succumbed to a hostile takeover bi...

Mrs. Claus and Elves Hold Down the Fort at the North Pole. Following his celebratory kick-off of the holiday season in the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, Santa will embark on a whirlwind tour across America stopping in 25 cities in as many days all across the country.

The deals are already calling you. Take an extra 30 percent off plus $10 credit for every $50 spent. This holiday shopping season, in the midst of the longest economic downturn since the Depression, is shaping up as an emphasis on "value" dollars.

- Commentary - Stocks gained on Monday as a weakening U.S. dollar held the prospect of a pickup in U.S. exports, and perhaps badly needed jobs.

American shoppers are splitting again: The affluent are finally starting to buy, picking up designer clothes at places like Nordstrom, while those on the lower economic rungs are still scrimping by, heading to Walmart for the basics.