Watchlist:
Brick-and-mortar retailers used heavily promoted Black Friday
doorbusters--big sales on special items geared to draw in
customers--even more this year to try to push back the ever growing
competition from the web. Saks Inc. (SKS), Big Lots Inc. (BIG) and
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) shares rose more than the broader market
during regular session trading Friday.
A mix of retro toys like the new, tech-focused Furby and newer
brands including the "Skylanders: Giants" video game and the freaky
guys and ghouls of Monster High are generating the greatest buzz in
the children's toy aisle this holiday season. Observers will keenly
watch the performance of Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us Inc. and Target
Corp. (TGT) since those three retailers contribute roughly
two-thirds of annual sales for many top toy manufacturers.
Home-furnishing retailers are entering the holiday season on
track for their strongest sales year since 2008--but face new
challenges as they try to lure shoppers online with wreathes,
ornaments and gift ideas. Online shopping for home furnishings
posted double-digit growth last year, and analysts say it is a game
all the players are still trying to figure out, prompting retailers
from Williams-Sonoma Inc. (WSM) to Pier 1 Imports Inc. (PIR) to
offer Black Friday deals online as well as in stores.
Mohawk Industries Inc. (MHK) is in negotiations to buy Italian
ceramic-tile company Marazzi Group, Reuters reported Friday, citing
two sources familiar with the deal. One source said a deal would be
worth about $1.2 billion, Reuters reported.
Write to Nathalie Tadena at nathalie.tadena@dowjones.com
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