Author: Charisse Jones, USA TODAY

Mall traffichasbeen up this holiday season, as they offer entertainment, tastier food and the chance to experience online brands in person

With consumers expected to spend at least $717 billion this holiday season, it’s also prime time for identify thieves and others to prey on shoppers.

At a time when more Americans are eco conscious, some shoppers are determined the gifts they buy this holiday season preserve the environment.

Cyber Monday is on track to break online sales records, but shoppers have already spent billions, clicking and buying all week long.

Retailers are increasingly turning to tech to woo customers, making shopping, whether online or in an actual store, as quick and simple as possible.

Target reported that sales at stores open at least 12 months rose 3.2 percent in the last quarter,partly due to brisk sales of toys and baby items.

Walmart reports higher sales, in store and online, as it heads into the all important holiday season

OPEC may decide to pare back oil production when the coalition convenes next month in Europe, according to a Wall Street Journal report.