There are only two and a half weeks until Christmas and with lower than predicted pre-holiday sales, struggling retailers are looking for any way to rein in customers.

On Monday, the UK-based grocery store Tesco dispersed £67m worth of vouchers. The move -- which marks the first time in the Clubcard's 15-year existence that the chain has sent out points early rather than quarterly -- gives customers double the normal amount of points on their shopping. The strategy signals just how fierce the drive is for shoppers’ loyalty in this sluggish economic climate.Continue reading...

Consumers are wondering just how much damage was done during last week's Black Friday, but it's important to put all that shopping into perspective.

Retailers and luxury brands hoped shoppers would feel more comfortable in stores this season, as business seemed to be poised to pick up. But though Macy's and Saks have reported improvement, new statistics suggest that more is needed to show that this recession can be beat. November's luxury sales declined 7.3%, their first drop since August after gains in September and October, according to MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse.Continue reading...