Free Republic

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use.Nov. 27 (AP) — Instead of using deep discounts to lure shoppers this holiday season, Domain Home Fashions is sending design consultants to their homes for free. Bloomingdale's also plans to discount less, counting on upscale holiday decor and splashy versions of its private label merchandise to motivate shoppers. And Bergdorf Goodman is focusing on designer names that can't be found elsewhere to draw well-heeled shoppers. As holiday shopping starts in earnest Friday amid an improving economy, many of the nation's retailers -- particularly department stores and apparel merchants -- plan to...

Whenever I venture from my "assigned" space of economics and investing, and roam into the realm of politics, I am sure to offend more than a few readers. But today, I see the world of economics and politics meshing, as the threat of an international trade war is becoming more and more real. From Senators proposing insane 30% tariffs on the Chinese, (our new whipping boy, probably to the relief of Japan) to boneheaded steel tariffs, we put the economy of the world at risk. And the reasons are more political than economic, so I weigh in. I am sure...