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☆ From ‘Barbie’ to ‘Bob the Builder’: Mattel’s next big movie, and how Jennifer Lopez is involved
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Elizabeth Wagmeister | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Now, CNN has learned that Mattel hopes to maintain that momentum with a cinematic adaptation of another kids’ character: Bob the Builder. An animated movie based on the long-running animated children’s series is in development, with Jennifer Lopez attached to executive produce and “In the Heights” star Anthony Ramos set to voice the beloved titular cartoon contractor. This new take on “Bob the Builder” will “celebrate the vibrant and colorful textures of the Caribbean Latin nations and their people.”Aside from voicing Bob the Builder, Ramos will also serve as a producer. In a statement, Ramos said that the movie will focus on friends working together and how love can help conquer any obstacle. The “Bob the Builder” television series ran in worldwide syndication for over a decade in the early aughts, and is known for its popular catchphrase, “Can we fix it?

Persons: “ Barbie, Mattel, Bob, Jennifer Lopez, Anthony Ramos, Roberto “ Bob ”, Ramos, Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith, Thomas, Benny Medina, . Abrams, Vin Diesel, “ Barney ”, Daniel Kaluuya, Polly, ”, Lena Dunham, Lily Collins, “, Matt Mason ”, Tom Hanks Organizations: CNN, Mattel, Getty, Nuyorican Productions, “, UNO Locations: Puerto Rico, Caribbean, American

☆ Opinion | ‘Barbie’ Is Bad. There, I Said It.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Pamela Paul | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Critically and commercially, several movies did well, and only one of those successes took place within the Marvel cinematic universe. Is it safe now to call “Barbie” the outlier? After “Barbie” so buoyantly lifted box office figures, it also felt like a willful dismissal of the need to make Hollywood solvent after a season of hell. Disliking “Barbie” meant either dismissing the power of The Patriarchy or dismissing Modern Feminism. They despised its commercialism and dreaded the prospect of future films about Mattel properties like Barney and American Girl dolls.

Persons: “ Barbie, winsome, “ Barbie ”, “, Barney Organizations: Marvel, Mattel Locations: American

☆ Ryan Gosling says what everyone’s thinking about ‘Barbie’ Oscar nomination omissions
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Ryan Gosling is grateful for his Oscar nomination, but joined the chorus of people who question the omission of his costar Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig from their individual respective categories. Gosling was nominated on Tuesday in the supporting actor category for his portrayal of Mattel’s Ken doll in “Barbie,” last year’s biggest blockbuster, starring alongside Robbie’s titular Barbie. While Gerwig and Robbie were not recognized individually, they did each earn Oscar nominations this week. In his statement, Gosling also honored his costar America Ferrera, who earned a surprise supporting actress nod for her performance in the film. Having said that, I am so happy for America Ferrera and the other incredible artists who contributed their talents to making this such a groundbreaking film.”- Ryan Gosling, “Barbie”

Persons: CNN — Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Gosling, Ken, “ Barbie, ”, Robbie’s, Barbie, Gerwig, Robbie, Barbie ”, Oscar, Noah Baumbach, America Ferrera, “, l’d, I’m, Ryan Gosling, “ Barbie ” Organizations: CNN, Warner Bros . Pictures, Warner Bros ., America

☆ Tweens are being roasted by Gen Z for buying up expensive skincare at Sephora and Ulta. One mom who takes her kid to Sephora said it's what Gen Alpha likes.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The consensus among Gen Z TikTokers is if you see a child at Sephora, you better get out of their way. They love makeup, and they always want to go," Eadie told the magazine. Related stories"Times change, things are different," Eadie told the publication. The back-and-forth online is so loud that a brand popular with Gen Alpha — Drunk Elephant — weighed in, assuring parents that many of their products were safe for youthful skin. Emma told the publication that they also find it irritating when adults reminisce about what they were doing as tweens.

Persons: —, Gen, Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Stefanie Eadie, Gen Z's, Eadie, Ulta, Instagram DM, Alpha, it's, Emma, Tweens, Maeve Organizations: Service, Alpha, Business, People Magazine, Sephora, Instagram, Teen Vogue, Mashable Locations: Sephora, Florida

☆ ‘Barbie’ stars Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera don’t hold back after the Academy snubs Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-23 | by ( Oliver Darcy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

When the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the nominations Tuesday morning for the 96th annual Oscars, both Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie were dealt a shocking snub in the best director and best actress categories, respectively. It was nominated for best picture. The controversy prompted two of the film’s stars, Gosling and America Ferrera, to speak out and convey their dismay at the cold shoulder from the Academy. At last year’s awards ceremony, host Jimmy Kimmel even joked, “How does the Academy not nominate the guy who directed ‘Avatar’? What do they think he is, a woman?”There is empirical evidence that supports the notion women are overlooked by the Academy.

Persons: “ Barbie ”, Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Ken, Gerwig, Robbie, “ It’s, Jennifer Palmieri, Obama, Hillary Clinton’s, Palmieri, Gosling, ”, Barbie, ” Gosling, “, ” Ferrera, Deadline’s Matt Grobar, Grobar, Variety’s Angelique Jackson, Clayton Davis, Ferrera, Jimmy Kimmel, Kenneth Grout, Owen Eagan Organizations: CNN, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Academy, Warner Bros . Pictures, Obama White House, America, Emerson College Locations: Hollywood

☆ I grew up in the West Bank under military occupation. Now I pay homage to my homeland through my fashion designs.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Yoonji Han | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewThis is an as-told-to essay based on a conversation with Rami Kashou, a Palestinian American fashion designer. I grew up during the second intifada under the Israeli military occupation. Courtesy of Rami KashouMaking clothes as a kid living in the West BankEven when I was younger, I was fascinated with fashion. AdvertisementIn the West Bank, making your own clothes was a way to be fashionable because we don't have much access to the rest of the world. Draping comes from a culture where women drape themselves in fabric, whether it's a shawl, a veil, or a long dress.

Persons: —, Rami Kashou, I'd, Elsa Klensch, sister's Barbies, Paris Hilton, Penelope Cruz, Kim Kardashian, I've Organizations: Service, Business, West Bank, US Locations: Palestinian American, Jerusalem, Ramallah, America, —, Hollywood, Palestine

☆ Saoirse Ronan shares details on her scrapped 'Weird Barbie' cameo: 'I think I'd be the strange girl who talked to herself'
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-21 | by ( Eve Crosbie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

She told Variety she was going to play a Barbie "who talked to herself and always had her pet dog." It sounds an awful lot like she was supposed to play the recalled Barbie doll that came with a pooping dog. AdvertisementSaoirse Ronan has shared some details about the "Weird Barbie" role she almost played. "I don't know what he was going to be, but I was definitely going to be a Weird Barbie. Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie with Tanner the dog in "Barbie."

Persons: Saoirse Ronan, Variety, Barbie, —, Wonka, Chalamet, Ronan, Kate McKinnon, didn't, Tanner, Mattel, Jimmy Fallon, Hannah Khalique, Brown, Ken, Rob Brydon, Greta Gerwig's, Dan Levy Organizations: Service, Variety, US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Warner Bros Locations: Welsh

☆ Macy’s is laying off workers and closing five stores
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

David McLane/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images The first Macy's store, on New York's Sixth Avenue, is seen circa 1880. New York Times Co./Hulton Archive/Getty Images Workers sort parcels at a Macy's store circa 1942. Fritz Goro/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock Women show dolls to children at a Macy's store around Christmas in 1942. Fred Morgan/NY Daily News Archive/Getty Images The Radio City Rockettes march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1966. Amy Sussman/AP Images for Macy's This Macy's store in West Palm Beach, Florida, was one of dozens of stores that the company announced it would be closing in 2017.

Persons: David McLane, Santa Claus, Fritz Goro, Bernard Hoffman, Rita Hayworth's, Nina Leen, Fred Morgan, Paul DeMaria, Jean, Erick Pasquier, Monica Almeida, Chris Hondros, Timothy Fadek, Andrew Craft, Eric Thayer, Eduardo Munoz, Andrew Kelly, Amy Sussman, Joe Raedle, Charles Krupa, Gary Hershorn, Macy’s Organizations: New, New York CNN — Veteran, CNN, Street Journal, Commerce Department, NY, The New, Historical Society, of Congress, Santa, Bettmann, . New York Times Co, Hulton, Getty, Keystone, Herald, Macy, City, Workers, Fayetteville Observer, USA, Reuters Shoppers, Reuters, Saxon Middle School Choir, Downtown Burlington High School, Corbis Locations: New York, ., France, Fayetteville , North Carolina, Bay Shore , New York, West Palm Beach , Florida, Burlington , Vermont, New York City, Santa Claus

☆ Opinion: Trump is a cultural phenomenon too
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-17 | by ( Julian Zelizer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Former President Donald Trump is a cultural phenomenon. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have been unable to shake the loyalty of voters to Trump. To understand Trump, however, it is also important to recognize that he has become a cultural phenomenon within large swaths of the GOP. To be sure, Trump is not the first president to command strong cultural currency with voters that goes beyond traditional political attachments. Yet there is no president who has devoted the same kind of attention to marketing himself as a cultural phenomenon as Trump.

Persons: Julian Zelizer, Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Trump, don’t, Haley, denialism, Biden, Trumpians, Putin, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Shepard Fairey’s, Barack Obama’s, Jimmy Carter’s, Billy, Billy Beer ”, John F, Kennedy, It’s, MAGA Organizations: CNN, Princeton University, The New York Times, America, Republican, Trump, Biden, GOP, Trump Town USA, New England Patriots, Twitter, Facebook, Oval Office Locations: Iowa, Florida, China, November’s, Mill, Virginia, Trump, America

☆ Coco Gauff said she 'wasn't mad' about viral cartoon, but got 'left on read' by the USTA
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Yoonji Han | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Read previewCoco Gauff clarified she "wasn't mad" about a cartoon posted by the United States Tennis Association. In a cartoon posted on Sunday ahead of the Australian Open, the USTA depicted Gauff and other American tennis players as characters from the animated show "The Wild Thornberrys." Oh Coco did not like this usta cartoon post loool pic.twitter.com/k3jEdmtw6m — Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) January 14, 2024But in a Monday night news conference, Gauff said her reaction to her comments was exaggerated. Advertisement"I wasn't mad. Gauff said she sent a direct message to the USTA jokingly asking what the thought process behind the cartoon was, but the organization never responded.

Persons: —, Gauff, Coco, k3jEdmtw6m, Melanie Lautrup, Jess Pegula, Ben Shelton, Sebastian Korda, she'd, should've, Serena Williams, Williams Organizations: Service, United States Tennis Association, Business, USTA, usta

☆ Peruvian researchers rule out aliens as the creators of 2 mysterious dolls
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

After studying the objects, forensic experts with Peru's prosecutor's office said human hands made the objects with paper, glue, metal, and bones from humans and animals. AdvertisementThe prosecutor's office has not yet determined who owns the objects. Dolls seized by authorities are displayed during a press conference to explain what they are made of at the Archeology Museum in Lima, Peru. A report by the Peruvian prosecutor's office that year found that alleged alien bodies were "recently manufactured dolls, which have been covered with a mixture of paper and synthetic glue to simulate the presence of skin." They said examinations showed the bones of birds, dogs, and other animals were used to create the dolls.

Persons: —, Peru's, Flavio Estrada, Estrada, Martin Mejia, José Jaime Maussan, Maussan Organizations: Service, American, Business, Dolls, Archeology Locations: Peru, Mexico, Mexican, Lima , Peru, Picchu, Peruvian

☆ When Trailers Hit Mute on the Musical
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Alexis Soloski | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

Despite what its marketing might suggest, “Mean Girls” (in theaters), the latest in a set of pink-accented nesting dolls, is irrefutably a movie musical. Adapted from the 2018 Broadway musical, which was itself based on the 2004 film, which was in turn inspired by the 2002 nonfiction book “Queen Bees and Wannabes,” this new version has singing. It has one delectable moment in which the members of the school marching band raise their saxophones and tubas high. Barring a split-second shot of the band, you wouldn’t know that from the film’s trailers. It was made to look instead like a vaguely edgier remix of the 2004 film.

Persons: Regina George, —, Olivia Rodrigo’s “ Organizations: Bees

That’s what forensic experts in Peru said Friday about two doll-like figures and an alleged three-fingered hand that customs authorities in the South American country seized last year from a shipment heading to Mexico. The forensic experts with Peru’s prosecutor’s office said the objects were made with paper, glue, metal and human and animal bones. "They are not extraterrestrials; they are not aliens.”The prosecutor’s office has not yet determined who owns the objects. Officials on Friday would only say that a Mexican citizen was the intended recipient of the objects before they were seized by customs agents in October. Meanwhile, an alleged three-finger hand was subjected to X-ray examinations.

Persons: Peru’s, ”, Flavio Estrada, ” Estrada, José Jaime Maussan, Maussan, Estrada Organizations: American Locations: LIMA, Peru, Mexico, Mexican, Peruvian

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — An iconic chief of the Cherokee Nation, Wilma Mankiller, inspired countless Native American children as a powerful but humble leader who expanded early education and rural healthcare. A public ceremony honoring Mankiller’s legacy is set for Tuesday in Tahlequah in northeast Oklahoma, where the Cherokee Nation is headquartered. The rollout of the Barbie doll featuring Mankiller wearing a ribbon skirt, black shoes and carrying a woven basket has been met with conflicting reactions. I didn't know it was coming.”Olaya also wonders how her mother would feel about being honored with a Barbie doll. “I have a warm feeling about the thought of my granddaughters playing with a Wilma Mankiller Barbie,” she said.

Persons: Wilma Mankiller, Mankiller’s, Mankiller, —, ”, Chuck Hoskin, Mattel, ” Hoskin, “ Wilma Mankiller, ” Mankiller, Bessie Coleman, Black, Angelou, Ida B, Wells, Jane Goodall, Madam C.J, Walker, Wilma Barbie, ” Stacy Leeds, Regina Thompson, doesn't, “, ” Thompson, Wilma, ” Mattel, Devin Tucker, Charlie Soap, Kristina Kiehl, Kiehl, “ Regrettably, Felicia Olaya, Olaya, ” Olaya, ‘ I’m, Diana, “ I’m, Wilma Mankiller Barbie Organizations: OKLAHOMA CITY, Cherokee, Cherokee Nation, Indian, Mattel, Arizona State University, Associated Press, AP, Cherokees Locations: toymaker, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Mankiller, American

☆ Mattel rolled out a Barbie to honor a late Cherokee Nation chief with a language error on the box that says 'chicken' instead of 'Cherokee'
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-03 | by ( Katie Balevic | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Mattel released a new Barbie honoring a late Cherokee chief in its "Inspiring Women" series. But the doll's box has a spelling error that says "chicken" instead of "Cherokee." AdvertisementA new Barbie doll from Mattel honoring the late chief of an indigenous tribe is seeing mixed reactions in part due to a spelling error on the box. The doll, made in the image of the late Cherokee Nation chief Wilma Mankiller, was rolled out for Mattel's series of "Inspiring Women" dolls, the Associated Press reported. Spokespersons from the Cherokee Nation did not immediately return a request for comment from Business Insider on Sunday, nor did a spokesperson from Mattel.

Persons: Mattel, —, Wilma Mankiller, Regina Thompson, Thompson, Wilma, Felicia Olaya, wasn't, I'm Organizations: Mattel, Cherokee, Service, Associated Press, Cherokee Nation, Business

☆ I'm Black and my wife is Japanese. Here's why raising my biracial kids in Japan is better than in the US.
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-03 | by ( Darryl Wharton-Rig | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In 2005, I visited Japan for work and ended up meeting my wife, with whom I have two boys and a girl. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementAs biracial Japanese stars such as Rui Hachimura and Naomi Osaka shine on the world stage, being Black and Japanese is having a moment. AdvertisementTheir lives include a mix of Japanese and Black cultureOur tranquil suburban enclave in Saitama, which I call the "New Jersey of Japan," offers my children a typical Japanese lifestyle. And like other kids in Japan, they frequent the mall, savor ramen and melon pan, and belt out tunes at karaoke.

Persons: —, Rui Hachimura, Naomi Osaka, shoji, Finn Organizations: Service, Japan Exchange, YouTube Locations: Japan, Saitama, Jersey, Tokyo

☆ Jill Biden unveils White House holiday decorations
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Christy Choi | Sam Fossum | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Complete with 98 Christmas trees, 72 wreaths and 2.8 miles of ribbon, the White House has been transformed into a classic winter wonderland for the holidays. The little engine that could: A vintage toy train chugs around the base of a Christmas tree in the Blue Room. The White House expects some 100,000 people to visit during the holiday season. Decorations in the Vermeil Room celebrate music and performance, complete with a mechanical theater featuring rotating United States Marine Band figures. Evan Vucci/APDeck the halls: The White House's China Room transformed into a dessert shop, tables laden with festive treats.

Persons: Santa Claus, Fraser, Jill Biden, Joy ”, ”, Biden, It’s, Evan Vucci, children’s, Gerald Ford, Kevin Dietsch, Saint Nick, Mandel Ngan Organizations: CNN, White, National Guard, Historical Association, United States Marine, Santa, Getty Locations: China, Santa, AFP

Nov 28 (Reuters) - Spending online on Cyber Monday is set to exceed $12 billion, a record, as bargain hunters snap up deals on items including Barbie dolls, Lego sets, headphones and smart watches, according to preliminary estimates from Adobe Digital Insights. The estimate projects U.S. shoppers will spend $12 billion-$12.4 billion on Cyber Monday, the biggest U.S. online shopping day. At the top end, this would represent an 9.7% increase compared to the $11.3 billion spent on Cyber Monday last year. Walmart, eager to capture market share, slashed prices on Sunday night, joining the trend of retailers' early discounts on major shopping days. On Monday, Walmart stepped up discounts on some clothing to 60%, up from the 50% it offered on Black Friday.

Persons: Barbie, Nancy Tengler, Eduardo Munoz, Matthew Katz, Charles Sizemore, Sizemore, Siddharth Cavale, Deborah Sophia, Aishwarya Venogupal, Ananya Mariam Rajesh, David Gregorio, Nick Zieminski, Matthew Lewis, Lincoln Organizations: Adobe Digital, Retailers, Adobe Analytics, Investments, Shoppers, Workers, REUTERS, SSA & Company, Walmart, Sizemore Capital Management, Target, Graphics, Insider Intelligence, Thomson Locations: Scottsdale , Arizona, United States, Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, U.S, New York, Bengaluru

☆ US Cyber Monday online sales set to cross $12 billion as big discounts lure shoppers - report
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Boxes ready to be delivered are seen during Cyber Monday at the Amazon fulfilment centre in Robbinsville Township in New Jersey, U.S., November 28, 2022. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 27 (Reuters) - U.S. shoppers looking for steep discounts are set to boost Cyber Monday online sales to a record $12 billion to $12.4 billion, splurging on products like Barbie dolls and headphones, data from Adobe Analytics showed. The midpoint of the range represents a jump of nearly 8%, better than Adobe's initial forecast of a 6.1% rise to $12 billion, easing concerns of a lackluster 2023 holiday shopping season. Salesforce also predicted Cyber Monday online sales would grow in the high-single-digit percentage range, both globally and in the United States. Reporting by Juby Babu and Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja DesaiOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Eduardo Munoz, Barbie, Salesforce, Juby Babu, Deborah Sophia, Pooja Desai Organizations: REUTERS, Adobe Analytics, Thomson Locations: Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, U.S, United States, Bengaluru

☆ Rocky hostage release underscores fragility of deal between Israel and Hamas
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Tara John | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Hamas on Saturday blamed the delay on issues with the amount of aid being delivered and selection of Palestinian prisoners being released. Thirty-nine Palestinian teenagers and women were also released from Israeli prisons, per the terms of the exchange, on Saturday. All but one of the Israeli hostages released had been at the communal kibbutz of Nir Oz when they were abducted. Under the deal, Israel is freeing three Palestinians from jail for every Israeli hostage allowed out of Gaza. Released Palestinian prisoners arrive to Beitunia, west of Ramallah, on Friday.

Persons: ”, Neta Rosenberg, Alex Sherman, Ron, Israel –, Emily Hand, Noga, Shiri Weiss, Adi Shoham, Naveh, Regev, Noam Avigdori, Sharon Avigdori, Hila Rotem, Shoshan, Noam, Nir Oz, Yafa Adar, Jaafar Ashtiyeh, Yoni Asher, we’ll, we’re, We’ve, we’ve, “, Nutthawaree Munkan, ” Boonyarin Srichan, Joy, Aseel El, ” El, Titi, Issam, Nadav Rudaeff, ” CNN’s Oren Liebermann, Joseph Ataman, Clarissa Ward, Kocha, Manveena Suri, Eve Brennan, Lauren Izso Organizations: CNN, Hamas, Palestinian, Saturday, Reuters, Ofer, West Bank, Getty, West Bank . Locations: Israel, Gaza, Tel Aviv, Irish, Alma, Philippine, Beitunia, AFP, Thailand, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Anadolu

Toys, games and hobby gear are on track to be less expensive this holiday season for the first time since 2020, while sporting goods prices are down this holiday for the first time since 2018, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)showed. To be sure, prices overall are higher in 2023 despite slowed price growth, with October's consumer price index climbing to 3.2% year-over-year. The figure remained flat on a month-over-month basis, signaling some holiday item prices may be slow to come down. Despite a dip in sporting goods prices, they continue to pace above 2019 levels. Walmart WMT.N said prices of general merchandise - clothing, electronics, furniture - had declined by low to mid-single-digit percentages versus last year, enabling the retailer to cut prices this holiday season.

Persons: Theresa Forsberg, Jill Lizzo, Barbie, Walmart WMT.N, it's, ”, Christina Hennington, Vincent Alban, Jessica Ramirez, Jane Hali, Jeffrey Roach, Macy's, Kevin Simpson, Simpson, Siddharth Cavale, Amina Niasse, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Walmart, Reuters Graphics Reuters, REUTERS, Associates, LPL, Dick's Sporting, Reuters, Wealth, Target, Home Depot, Wayback Machine, Thomson Locations: New Milford , Connecticut, New York's Harlem, Chicago , Illinois, U.S, New York

Brokerage TD Cowen lowered its U.S. holiday spending estimate to 2% to 3% growth, from 4% to 5%, as it forecast flat Black Friday traffic. With many consumers squeezed by persistent inflation and high interest rates, U.S. holiday spending is expected to rise at the slowest pace in five years. A record 130.7 million people are expected to shop in stores and online in the U.S. on Black Friday this year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates. In France, Italy, and Spain, most shoppers planned to buy clothing on Black Friday, with electronic goods coming second, according to a PwC survey. Thanksgiving Day discounts online peaked at about 28% for toys, while electronics had discounts as steep as 27%, Adobe said.

Persons: Shannon Stapleton, Cowen, Theresa Forsberg, “ It’s, ”, Jill Lizzo, she’s, “, I’m, Lizzo, PwC, hasn’t, Naomi Ojomo, Jeff Gennette, Barbie, John Roberts, Apple AirPods, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Oscar de, Katherine Masters, Arriana McLymore, Helen Reid, Mimosa Spencer, Corina Pons, James Davey, Siddharth Cavale, Arriana, Deboarh Sophia, David Gaffen, Miral Fahmy, Nick Zieminski, Frances Kerry Organizations: Black, REUTERS, Shoppers, National Retail Federation, Insider Intelligence, Barclays, Macy's, Adobe Analytics, Adobe, Walmart, Argos, PlayStation, Apple, Thomson Locations: Westbury , New York, U.S, RALEIGH, N.C, New Milford , Connecticut, . U.S, Harlem, Manhattan, France, Italy, Spain, Zara, Canary Wharf, London, British, Paris, Madrid, New York, Raleigh , North Carolina, Bengaluru

A child looks at toys in a Target store ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and traditional Black Friday sales in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. November 21, 2023. Toys, games and hobby gear are on track to be less expensive this holiday season for the first time since 2020, while sporting goods prices are down this holiday for the first time since 2018, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)showed. Walmart WMT.N said prices of general merchandise - clothing, electronics, furniture - had declined by low to mid-single-digit percentages versus last year, enabling the retailer to cut prices this holiday season. Black Friday discounts are 30% to 50% at major retailers and could go deeper later in the season. "You're going to see margin compression and potentially lower sales," said Simpson, whose firm holds shares in Walmart and Home Depot.

Persons: Vincent Alban, Barbie, Walmart WMT.N, it's, ”, Christina Hennington, Jessica Ramirez, Jane Hali, Jeffrey Roach, Kevin Simpson, Simpson, Siddharth Cavale, Amina Niasse, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: REUTERS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Walmart, Associates, LPL, Wayback Machine, Dick's Sporting, Reuters, Wealth, Target, Home Depot, Thomson Locations: Chicago , Illinois, U.S, Macy's, New York

☆ The tug-of-war is on between deal-hungry shoppers and retailers wary of giving them throw-away prices on Black Friday
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Parija Bhatnagar | Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

So are the start-of-the-season deals enticing enough for shoppers or are they holding out in a cat-and-mouse game with retailers? Michael Brown, retail industry leader and partner with management consulting firm Kearney, said the much earlier-than-usual jumpstart to holiday sales this year could be to blame. Shoppers will be holding out for better deals,” he said. Kena Betancur/Getty ImagesTotal holiday sales this year are expected to come in softer compared to last year. He said there were plenty of 25% off Black Friday deals mall-wide and some deeper 40% off promotions for early-bird shoppers.

Persons: New York CNN —, Michael Brown, Kearney, ”, Brown, Emily Elconin, Marshal Cohen, ” Cohen, Barbie, Willing, they’ve, Kena Betancur, Brian Schroeder, Kendra Scott, “, Aeropostale, Aritzia, Shannon Stapleton, Marc Rosen, Rosen, ” Rosen, Nathaniel Meyersohn Organizations: New, New York CNN, “, Shoppers, Black, National Retail Federation, Adobe Analytics, Disney Little, Marvel, Macy's, Brookfield Properties, Brookfield Asset Management, Nike, Apple, Simon Property Group, JCPenney Locations: New York, Oaks, Michigan, New York , New York, La Cantera, San Antonio , Texas, Brookfield, Roosevelt, Garden City , New York, Penney

☆ Dolls, doctors and helicopters await Israeli hostages at Gaza's gate
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Dan Williams | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Hamas is due to deliver the group - among around 240 people held in the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian militants' Oct. 7 killing spree in southern Israel - to neighbouring Egypt. After landing in Israel, they will receive preliminary medical care and be sent to several hospitals for reunions with their families. An Israeli official said military transport helicopters would take part in the repatriation, suggesting they would pick the hostages up at an Egyptian airport - perhaps in El Arish, near Gaza. Health officials have said separately that the hostages would receive psychological attention and specialised care for any who may have suffered sexual assault. Four hostages have been returned alive previously while a fifth was rescued by Israeli troops.

Persons: Dan Williams, Howard Goller Organizations: Hamas, Health, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Palestinian, JERUSALEM, Egypt, El Arish, Cairo

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