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Last week's monthly employment report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics was met with mixed reviews, but one thing is certain: retail still shines as a steady and significant contributor to employment. In a recent post on Retail's BIG Blog, NRF's Tita Freeman shares why the strength of America's retail industry should not be underestimated. Read more.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart has launched new applications for the iPhone and iPad designed to give its customers tools to plan their weekly shopping trips, as well as a new way to access Walmart both in-store and online. The two free applications are the first of several mobile products to be rolled out from the recently formed @WalmartLabs group under Walmart's Global eCommerce unit. The iPhone application features new updates that include smart shopping lists with integrated access to manufacturers' coupons and support for QR code scanning. Walmart's first-ever iPad application allows customers to browse, search and purchase items

To get consumers more comfortable with last-minute online gift shopping, large retailers have embraced the concept of Free Shipping Day. Now small marketplace sellers can also use FreeShippingDay.com to promote their eBay and Etsy stores.

Minneapolis -- Target Corp. is adding a new benefit to its REDcard Rewards loyalty program: free shipping on Target.com purchases when guests use their REDcards. In addition, for the first time Target Debit Cards can be used on Target.com. Target’s REDcard Rewards loyalty program applies to the Target REDcards, including the Target Credit Card, Target Visa Credit Card and Target Debit Card. The program offers guests an extra 5% off Target’s already prices on nearly all items purchased in stores and online when they use a REDcard.

After trimming the windows of its Fifth Avenue store with lighted versions of its iconic toy soldier, FAO Schwarz unveiled its Christmas toy display and shipped its 2011 Ultimate Holiday Collection catalog. This year's collection includes product presentations from Mattel, Disney, Sanrio, Paul Frank and more iconic brands, fashion, baby products and specialty toys. The 40-page book features FAO Schwarz collectibles, over-the-top toys, playthings, Lionel Trains, life-sized plush animals and baby items. Customers can view the entire catalog online on Friday. Additionally, the store is now accepting cash contributions to benefit the Marine Toys For Tots Foundation through Christmas

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Family Dollar launched an in-store shopper behavior monitoring system using video and advanced analytics in 20 of its stores, measuring customers’ real-time interactions with designs, displays and promotions.

Macy’s is using augmented reality as part of its Believe campaign, an annual national holiday effort to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In past years Macy’s has asked customers to mail their letters to Santa to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

Etsy’s online recommendation tool, Gift Ideas for Facebook Friends, provides a list of suggested items that relate to the likes and interests of your friends on the social network.

Kohl's is the nation's favorite fashion retail chain, according to an annual consumer survey conducted by Market Force Information, a provider of customer intelligence solutions. This is the third year in a row that Kohl's has earned the top spot.