Timely Demise

Tool manufacturers Stanley and Black & Decker have agreed to a merger. The companies have been discussing such a move for decades, and recent economic trends made the deal a reality...

BusinessWeek published a robust special report last week entited How We Buy. It's full of insight into the modern shopping mechanism and how our attitudes, and options, are changing with the times...

They're old news in the business community, but the widespread growth of pop-up stores is becoming an important consumer trend this fall...

The economic downturn is hitting local stores especially hard. Saddest among those affected are the decades-old establishments suddenly facing bankruptcy or liquidation...

After years of multi-retailer availability, fashion brand Liz Claiborne is changing its distribution strategy and positioning its namesake merchandise for sale exclusively at JC Penney. The decision affects hundreds of retail outlets nationwide, including Macy's and Dillard's...

General Motors is selling its Hummer brand to Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery. Tengzhong plans to invest heavily to create a manufacturing center for Hummer in China, and has extensive plans that may include more entry-level models...

Fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto filed for bankruptcy protection today. The company, which designs the Y3 line for Adidas, is expected to continue its relationship and production. Details of the filing are not yet available.

Fashion brand Ellen Tracy was forced into bankruptcy today in reaction to investors looking to liquidate it. The company has been ordered to submit asset lists to a judge later this month. Ellen Tracy has been in business since 1949...

All 152 locations of InkStop closed Thursday night without notice. The closings are being called "temporary" and information about a restructuring is pending...

This one's not recession related, but it is interesting: Jolt Cola filed for bankruptcy protection after experiencing problems sourcing new packaging. Jolt ordered 90 million "23.5 ounce resealable cans" from a supplier but has received just 30 percent of its order...

Saturn, the beleaguered General Motors import-fighting marque, will be winding down operations after a proposed sale collapsed Wednesday. GM had planned to sell Saturn to Penske Automotive Group, the company behind successful trucking and auto-racing businesses...

Joystiq is reporting video game retailer Game Crazy is closing 200 of its 680 stores. Game Crazy, a unit of Hollywood Entertainment and Movie Gallery Inc. (which also owns Hollywood Video), is citing the economy as the culprit. Specific store closings have not yet been identified.

Beleaguered jewelry retailer Finlay Enterprises has decided to close all its specialty stores, including Bailey Banks & Biddle, Carlyle & Co. and other outlets...

The economic downturn is hitting local stores especially hard. Saddest among those affected are the decades-old establishments suddenly facing bankruptcy or liquidation...