The discount retail chain Goody’s Family Clothing will begin liquidating its stores as the retailer becomes one of the year’s first victims of the worsening economy.

The most recent report about retail sales showed double-digit declines in some closely watched categories, but also indicated the numbers were stabilizing.

Do you enjoy watching the bracing rudeness of New Yorkers? J&R, the music and electronics retailer, is counting on it.

Gregory D. Wasson, the president of the Walgreen Company, discussed the changes in his industry and new initiatives he hopes mean continued profitability.

Stores and automobile dealerships are adopting virtually any tactic that might grab the attention of frightened consumers.

In response to the economic downturn, alcohol retailers and industry experts say, consumers have been trading down for less expensive wines and spirits.

Final numbers are not due until Jan. 14, but interim data shows that customer traffic for the full holiday season plummeted 16 percent, taking sales down 2.3 percent.

The Russian retail association said Wal-Mart Stores had joined the group in the latest in a series of moves indicating its interest in expanding into Russia.

A British children’s clothing retailer, Adams Childrenswear, was on the brink of a form of bankruptcy protection, a spokeswoman for the company said.

The fact is, when people lose their jobs, buy cheaper goods and default on their loans, someone has to do the dirty work — and those companies can get well paid for doing it.