Shopping

Weighted blankets are a popular choice to warm up in cold weather, but research on their effectiveness is limited. Such blankets come with extra heft in the form of glass beads, pellets or cotton. They’re also more expensive than regular blankets. Scientists think the added pressure could calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response or signal the brain to produce what’s called...

Looking for the perfect gift that won’t add to the clutter? From adventure-packed activities to personalized moments, these gifts prioritize creating memories over accumulating material things.

Looking for unique holiday finds? Head to Vintage on the Avenue, a 3-day shopping event on Michigan Avenue offering everything from vintage clothing to luxury collectibles.

Even though e-commerce is now part and parcel of many people’s regular routines and the holiday shopping season, Cyber Monday — a term coined in 2005 by the National Retail Federation — has become the biggest online shopping day of the year, thanks to the deals and the hype the industry has created to fuel it.

Ultra low-cost online retailers Temu and Shein are giving Western retailers a run for their money this holiday shopping season.

While retailers hope to go big this holiday season, customers may notice that the catalogs arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were scaled down to save on postage and paper. Some gift purveyors are sending out postcards. In a sign of the times, the American Catalog Mailers Association rebranded...

By measuring purchases by how much you will use them, you can make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

It’s tempting to hibernate after loading up on an indulgent Thanksgiving feast, but you’ve got places to go and deals to scoop up on Black Friday.

Consumers are hardwired to think more of short-term gratification than long-term goals.

NBC Chicago’s Sandra Torres is live from Woodfield Mall where Black Friday shopping is well underway.

More shoppers are using ‘buy now, pay later’ plans heading into Black Friday and the holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. Experts say the short-term loans can lead consumers to overextend themselves and warn that those...

Ahead of the holiday season, the Illinois Public Interest Research Group has issued its annual “Trouble in Toyland” report, this year highlighting the dangers of some inexpensive imported toys that could pose a safety risk. NBC Chicago’s Charlie Wojciechowski reports.

Get ready to dive into a world of magical merch inspired by “Wicked.” Bloomingdale’s cuddly Wicked Bears support a great cause, Bombas socks sparkle with a hint of magic, and makeup erasers are both sustainable and effective.

Here’s a list of what stores will be open and closed on Nov. 28, 2024.

Neiman Marcus has released the 2024 Fantasy Gifts. With price points between $1.9 million and $20,000.

With Halloween later this week, retail giant Macy’s is already preparing their extravagant festive appearance ahead of the holiday shopping season. NBC Chicago’s Lexi Sutter reports.

Chicago beauty blogger Jessica Erbach breaks down the must-have makeup and skincare tips for fall and winter.

Though Toys “R” Us operates at several Macy’s stores across the Chicago area, the beloved toy store will open its first standalone store in the region this weekend at Harlem Irving Plaza in suburban Norridge.

After a few holiday seasons of solely existing inside Macy’s store, iconic toy brand Toys “R” Us is reopening standalone brick-and-mortar stores once again, with a suburban Chicago mall garnering one of the first locations.

The Midwest’s first-ever physical Google retail store will soon open at a popular suburban Chicago mall, according to a press release.