Recent content from Nicole Norfleet
Budget-conscious consumers flock to deals — both online and in stores — over Black Friday weekend
Retailers hope that is a signal that people will come out for the rest of the season after Mall of America, other stores and online sites all saw robust traffic.
Black Friday shoppers hit Twin Cities malls hunting for deep discounts
Retailers expected consumers to be choosier with their dollars to officially start the holiday shopping season.
When you can shop on Thanksgiving, Black Friday
From grocery stores to malls, there are few options open on Turkey Day but plenty of extended hours Black Friday.
Target testing limit of 10 items at some stores' self-checkout kiosks
The Edina Target is one of the locations no longer allowing an unlimited number of items at kiosks where customers check out themselves.
Best Buy predicts ho-hum holiday sales
Best Buy saw comparable sales drop nearly 7% in the third quarter, and while it eked out better profits, it lowered its guidance for the crucial end of the year.
The Twin Cities has too many malls. There's one key to survival.
Malls across the U.S. that are thriving are those with high-end retail stores and places for date nights or family fun.
Target stock surges after better-than-expected profits and a budget-friendly holiday plan
The Minneapolis-based retailer said consumers continue to be cautious with their dollars but did spend more on back-to-school and Halloween.
Toys 'R' Us returns with a store at Mall of America
The toy chain is set to open its second standalone brick-and-mortar store in the U.S. this week.
Target, Best Buy are unexpected underdogs this holiday season
Both Minnesota companies report quarterly earnings in the next few weeks, and sales are expected to be down.
Buy-now-pay-later company Sezzle to delist from Australian stock market, concentrate on Nasdaq
The Minneapolis-based company says the move will simplify business and increase liquidity as it navigates through a busy holiday season.
How to thrift like a pro (even during the holidays)
Twin Cities thrift and vintage store managers offer tips on how to snag the best finds, and provide creative and bargain gifts for people on your list.
Anytime Fitness teams up with Apple Fitness+ for free memberships
It will be the first time Apple Fitness+ will have full integration of its content through another partner gym's virtual platform.
Best Buy livestreams holiday sales events
Best Buy will host live video events on TalkShopLive on Nov. 1, 8 and 15.
Is blaming crime the whole story behind retail 'shrink'? Experts say maybe not
External theft is just one part of a complicated loss equation for retailers as they work to reduce losses from operational errors while improving customer experience.
Twin Cities area retailers weigh shorter hours to cope with high labor costs this holiday season
Payroll costs have ballooned over the past year because of mandatory minimum wage hikes, benefits additions and increased wage competition.
Target announces retirement plans for two long-tenured executives
Target has not said who will take on the role of chief operating officer for John Mulligan after he steps down in 2025.
DVD, Blu-ray heading toward obsolete as Best Buy to stop selling movies next year
After the holidays, Best Buy customers won't be able to find DVDs and Blu-rays on the retailer's shelves or online.
Small Minnesota retailers hope to lure budget-conscious shoppers with 'adventures'
U.S. holiday retail sales should increase as much as 4.6% and total as much as $1.56 trillion from November to January, according to a Deloitte study.
Best Buy Health expands into prescription diabetes medical tech sale and delivery
Best Buy is launching a new website for customers to order devices like glucose-monitoring machines.
What's next for Nicollet Mall? Downtown Minneapolis depends on its revitalization.
Nicollet Mall is again the epicenter of downtown's revitalization, with hybrid work having sapped foot traffic and pushing retail vacancy rates to about 39%.
Businesses call for Buy Black movement to evolve past 'virtue signaling' to lasting change
Black entrepreneurs and equity advocates in the Twin Cities sense much of the fervor around the "buy Black" movement has cooled, but progress is still possible.
We want to know: How do you plan to shop for the holidays this year?
Share your thoughts on holiday shopping this season with the Star Tribune.
Target's closings because of crime protect its profit, but at expense of communities
Retailers cutting their losses in big cities already facing post-pandemic challenges is yet another hurdle for major downtowns hoping to re-establish their vitality.
Best Buy reveals its holiday drops, offering electronic deals online
Mobile flash sales promise savings on limited gizmos during the highly promotional holiday season.
Target will close 9 stores across 4 states because of theft, crime
The Minneapolis-based company will close locations in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, Seattle, Portland and the San Francisco Bay Area effective Oct. 21.
Locals behind Afro Deli, Asia Mall as well as Chicago firm buy troubled Burnsville Center
The sale, which doesn't include the anchor stores, comes after city leaders had criticized its former owners for failing to maintain it.
Target to sell exclusive line of Kendra Scott jewelry, hoping to stoke fallen sales
The collection will include more than 200 pieces with prices starting at $15 and the majority of items under $40.
Best Buy Health shows first signs of success with Geek Squad helping at-home patients
The program with Pennsylvania-based Geisinger Health System has added some consistent demand beyond the volatile electronics market to Best Buy's bottom line.
Life Time limits gym access for Medicare seniors, prioritizing other members
Time restrictions — which the gym said health plans' discounted rates have driven — will apply only to seniors with access through their insurance.
Dale Schenian, 'larger than life' businessman and Canterbury Park co-founder, dies
Already a successful Twin Cities businessman when he joined the partnership that revived the Canterbury horse racing track, Schenian died on Aug. 25 at age 82.
Best Buy preaches end in sight to electronics demand slump but still expects sales decline
Leaders of the Richfield-based chain said they expected comparable sales to drop 4.5% to 6% this fiscal year, revised from the prior guidance of a decline of 3% to 6%.
New billionaire ShopHQ owner brings limited experience but lots of confidence to home shopping
The bankruptcy court-approved $55 million transaction opens a new chapter for the former iMedia channel.
Target sales take a rare tumble after pulling of Pride products
That, combined with continued cost-cutting by shoppers, made for the first decline in comparable sales since spring 2017, although profit still jumped.
Sales dip expected after Target removed some Pride products
Many Wall Street analysts and investors think the controversy surrounding Target's Pride collection could have turned some consumers off from the Minneapolis retailer, denting traffic and sales numbers.
Best Buy at pivot point — will changes return chain to growth?
The Richfield retailer has adjusted its strategy for stores, workers and new products.
Shutterfly will close Shakopee warehouse, lay off nearly 250 workers
The digital photo company announced at the beginning of the year that it would cut about 100 employees at the facility as a cost-saving measure.
Target recalls millions of Threshold candles for second time amid reports of cuts, burns
Cracking glass holders have caused minor injuries.
Minneapolis company Sezzle in a healthy spot as buy-now-pay-later options grow
Some consumers are choosing to make purchases in installments as they try to manage their budgets and avoid credit card interest.
The hunt is on for back-to-school supplies as Minnesota parents search for savings
With inflation still high and a recession looming, many families could turn to Buy Nothing social media groups and secondhand options to find school supplies.
Lawsuit: St. Cloud mall owners haven't paid loan in nearly three years, owe $84 million
A subsidiary of U.S. Bancorp initiated foreclosure proceedings against the owners of Crossroads Center mall.
Twin Cities parents turn to local baby stores as big-box chains falter
As the future of Buy Buy Baby remains uncertain, local retailers offer the only places to try a range of baby merchandise.
Beleaguered iMedia files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
The company defaulted on a key loan and filed bankruptcy papers in Delaware.
Mall of America evicts long-running tenant Dairy Queen for unpaid rent
Mall of America filed an eviction complaint stating the franchise had nearly $75,000 of unpaid rent since January of this year.
Keith Ellison, other state AGs concerned with Target pulling Pride products
The AGs said Target's decision sends a message that "hateful and disruptive conduct can cause even large corporations to succumb to ... bullying."
Edina's Southdale Center will get a much-needed renovation later this year
The remodel will include the southeast portion of the mall where a Kowalski's grocery store will open soon.
Changing downtown Minneapolis is at a crossroads
Nearly a third of all downtown office space is dark, a rate not seen in decades and even outpacing the financial woes following the dot-com bubble and the Great Recession.
Downtown Minneapolis retailer Hubert White to close
Owner Bob White is retiring and will shutter the 107-year-old family business located in the IDS Center along Nicollet Mall in August.
Minneapolis floats new vision for downtown's Nicollet Mall
No buses and looser liquor rules were among the recommendations put forth by a task force of advisers that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey assembled.
Downtown Minneapolis Trader Joe's accused of violating worker rights in federal complaint
Supervisors at the grocery chain allegedly took down union literature in the employee break room.
Woman injured in black bear attack in central Minnesota
A "bear swiped at her, striking her in several places," according to the Minnesota DNR.
Two dead in weekend motorcycle crashes
The crashes occurred in Anoka and Freeborn counties on a traditionally big motorcycling weekend.
Best Buy's sales and profits continue to deteriorate amid electronics recession
Analysts and company leaders expected electronics to be a hard sell early this year but think a rebound could come within the year.
Target pulls some of its Pride products after threats to store workers
The Minneapolis-based retailer is still selling swimwear made for the transgender community but is no longer selling products from a brand that critics say expresses "Satanist" views.
Vacant Sears building near Capitol in St. Paul sells for $7 million
The former department store could be the site of several uses.
Target recalls nearly 5M candles after reports of burns, cuts
Target received 137 reports of the candle jars breaking during use, which caused at least six injuries.
Saturday Dumpling Co. honors immigrant family's legacy, seals its Minneapolis success
Peter Bian, with wife Linda Cao, made his mother's authentic Chinese recipe into a sought-after Twin Cities dish.
While Target grapples with frugal consumers, Walmart thrives on its groceries
Walmart raised its predictions for the rest of the year as Target prepares for a decline.
Cautious consumers flattening sales at big retailers, including Minneapolis' Target
Target beat Wall Street's expectations, but executives say shoppers are cutting back on splurges and focusing on essential goods.
Don't need that old iPhone? Offload tech using these tips
The Twin Cities offer several environmentally friendly ways to rid yourself of obsolete phones, laptops and other electronic devices.
Burnsville Center, long plagued with empty storefronts, under contract for sale
The pending sale, plus a potential infusion of grant money from the city, could help revamp the languishing shopping complex.
Best Buy's new membership program offers customer perks at three price points
The Richfield-based electronics retailer will offer such bonuses as free shipping and tech support, depending on membership level.
Big-box retail closures offer chance to fill scarce mall space
Several large stores closures in the Twin Cities — from Bed Bath & Beyond to David's Bridal — could free up storefronts in a retail market with few vacancies.
Fate of largest Minnesota mall outside metro unknown; owner in default of loan
The Crossroads Center in St. Cloud continues to operate despite its owners' struggles, but it could be put up at a foreclosure auction or sold.
Life Time profits to start the year, continuing to build back after pandemic losses
Life Time reported profit of $27.5 million for the first three months of the year.
iMedia moves to lower-tier Nasdaq Capital Market while trying to raise minimum bid
The company had fallen out of compliance with Nasdaq Global Market and was at risk of delisting.
Nicollet Mall farmers market exits downtown Minneapolis
After more than 30 years, the Nicollet Mall farmers market is gone for good from the pedestrian corridor. But downtown leaders say there are plans to add more activities in its stead.
David's Bridal will likely close all of its Minnesota stores amid bankruptcy
Layoffs and store closings are being reported across the country as the wedding-dress chain files for bankruptcy.
How to turn your homemade food into a small Minnesota business
Revisions in state law allow entrepreneurs to make more money selling homemade food without a license.
Minn. retailers balance security, customer comfort to curb crime
Stores including Target and Best Buy have strengthened safety measures but worry that might deter customers.
Best Buy lays off hundreds, with plans to cut costs and emphasize online sales
In the past three years, Best Buy's employee numbers have declined by approximately 25,000 people or 20%.
Minneapolis eyewear company Eyebobs sold to Cleveland-based private equity firm
Blue Point Capital Partners is the new owner of the company that focuses on cheap but stylish reading glasses.
Eden Prairie-based iMedia completes HQ sale-leaseback, still reports loss for 2022
The company is also still working on a plan to avoid delisting from the NASDAQ stock exchange for not meeting its minimum bid requirement of $1.
iMedia, parent company of ShopHQ, delays earnings while grappling with potential Nasdaq delisting
The media company has scheduled its full-year and fourth-quarter earnings release for Wednesday.
Target's not-so-secret weapon the past 40 years? Private labels
The Minneapolis retailer has the opportunity to expand its customer base as it leans into its more than 45 brands, retail experts say.
