About 72% of retailers now charge a processing fee, according to the National Retail Federation, while others are shortening return windows or imposing stricter policies to help reduce costs and fraud.
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Menards settles false advertising claims over 11% rebate program
Shoppers will now have a year to submit those rebate forms.
December 17, 2025
Target, other retailers hit with warning letter for selling recalled formula
Four major retailers failed to pull ByHeart infant formula from its store shelves following a recall, according to the agency’s letters. The formula has been linked to an outbreak of botulism.
December 16, 2025
Despite higher prices because of tariffs, holiday traffic picks up at Minnesota toy stores
The holiday season started slow, and owners say they are worried about January, but several customers say they are purposely choosing independent small retailers this year.
December 15, 2025
We tested AI shopping chatbots. This is what we found.
As Target and Walmart signed OpenAI agreements and touted new ways of holiday shopping, we decided to see how well they worked.
December 13, 2025
State's young hoopers use basketball courts as fashion runway for exclusive sneakers
Through an unique network where fashion meets sports, brands showcase shoes through trendy teen athletes and their social media circles.
December 7, 2025
Don’t fall into the trap of retail sales this holiday shopping season
A recent Consumers’ Checkbook investigation found many national chains offer sales so often that it makes the discount meaningless.
December 6, 2025
In money-saving move, Plymouth-based Tile Shop looks to go private again
The small retailer wants to shed the expenses of being traded on the Nasdaq exchange because officials feel the company hasn’t been able to capitalize on being a publicly traded firm.
December 2, 2025
How AI is quietly reshaping your shopping trip
From chatbots and ChatGPT to stocking and pricing in stores, AI tools are increasingly being used by Target, Walmart, Evereve and more.
December 2, 2025
Thousands of Minnesotans flock to find big deals on Black Friday
The day-after-Thanksgiving start to Christmas shopping season is not the urgent juggernaut of yore, but still the biggest day for most brick-and-mortar stores.
November 28, 2025
The crowds showed up for Black Friday, looking for fun and bargains
This year, there’s lots of angst over whether inflation-weary shoppers will stick to their budgets and hold the line on spending.
November 28, 2025
After a few hard years, Uptown merchants say holiday season is a must-win
Independent merchants across the Twin Cities say Small Business Saturday is an important start to a critical time of year.
November 28, 2025
Northfield’s latest shops embrace ‘do good, feel good’ philosophy
Conscious consumerism is at the heart of these three latest additions to the downtown shopping scene.
November 28, 2025
