Walmart

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Citing declining demand and rising costs, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. here said yesterday that it would discontinue its layaway program while expanding other financing options. Shoppers will have until Nov. 19 to place items in layaway for this Christmas season, and merchandise must be picked up by Dec. 8, the retailer said.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart's bid to upscale itself continues apace. The company said yesterday it has engaged celebrity lifestyle and design expert Colin Cowie for its first celebrity home line, the Csquared by Colin Cowie holiday home collection, set to launch exclusively at Wal-Mart in October.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Citing declining demand and rising costs, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. here said yesterday that it would discontinue its layaway program while expanding other financing options. Shoppers will have until Nov. 19 to place items in layaway for this Christmas season, and merchandise must be picked up by Dec. 8, the retailer said.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart's bid to upscale itself continues apace. The company said yesterday it has engaged celebrity lifestyle and design expert Colin Cowie for its first celebrity home line, the Csquared by Colin Cowie holiday home collection, set to launch exclusively at Wal-Mart in October.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Ex- retailer Alan Farrell has joined floral company Speaking Roses International here as its new c.e.o.

CHICAGO -- After 2 hours of vigorous debate, the Chicago City Council Mayor upheld Richard Daley's veto of the city's controversial big-box ordinance yesterday in a tally that fell three votes short of an override.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Ex- retailer Alan Farrell has joined floral company Speaking Roses International here as its new c.e.o.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. plans to bring another 500 stores and clubs online with its RFID (radio frequency identification) initiative by the end of this fiscal year, bringing the total number of its retail locations using the technology to more than 1,000.