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Amazon-owned Soap.com has begun selling grocery goods. Unlike Amazon Fresh, which delivers a full range of groceries via an elaborate system of delivery trucks, Soap.com‘s selection is limited to approximately 10,000 nonperishable items such as cereal and coffee.

Harry & David has named Craig Johnson as its CEO. The company exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month. "With its successful restructuring now complete, improved capital structure in place and an outstanding harvest and holiday gift selection, the company is poised for a successful holiday season," Johnson said in a statement.

A week before Halloween and two full months before Christmas, stores are desperately trying to outdo each other in hopes of drawing in customers worn down by the economy.

Target is facing new holiday pricing pressure as Walmart announced the launch of its Christmas price guarantee. Customers who purchase eligible products at Walmart anytime between Nov. 1 and Dec. 25, and then find those same products advertised for less at another store, will receive a Walmart gift card for the difference through Dec. 25. "The greatest gift we can give our customers this holiday is great low prices on the things they want most," explained Duncan Mac Naughton, chief merchandising officer, Walmart U.S. "Walmart is easing shopping stress this Christmas by allowing customers to shop when and how

Retailers are so desperate this holiday season that they're willing to lose money to get you to spend yours. Take online jeweler Stauer. It's offering a $249 amethyst necklace for free — provided customers pay the $24.95 it costs to ship it. Stauer will lose money on the deal, but it hopes to reel in new customers who will buy other jewelry.

New York City -- A Tuesday report by Women’s Wear Daily said that the outlet division of Saks has named a former Barneys executive as its new VP. Saks Off 5th has named Peter Rizzo, former Barneys executive VP, as its new senior VP and creative director for merchandising.

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New York City -- VF Corp. reported that its third-quarter net income rose 24% on higher prices and sales, and raised its full-year outlook and quarterly dividend. The clothing and footwear company said profit growth came from its September acquisition of Timberland and strong sales across most of its categories.

Wal-Mart is scaling back health care coverage for future part-time workers and raising premiums for some full-time workers. The giant retailer says rising health care costs are forcing it to eliminate health care coverage for future part-time workers who work less than 24 hours a week.

The retail sector is on a roll- but how long can the good times last? Peter Wahlstrom, Morningstar analyst, discusses.