In order to extend its reach to more Chinese buyers, the world's largest retailer has made an investment in 360buy Jingdong Mall, an online B2C company. The amount was not revealed. "It's a smart move for them (Wal-Mart), because 360buy, in my opinion, is one of the best B2C online companies in China today," said Michael Clendenin, managing director of RedTechAdvisors, a technology research firm.

More low-cost airlines are beefing up flights to the islands and that is putting pressure on fares. Average one-way fares on eight routes from the U.S. fell on all but one between the second quarter of 2007 and the same period this year. The market's longtime leader, American, is cutting back its San Juan, Puerto Rico, hub as part of a network revamp designed to improve revenue and profits. Expansion of discounters in the region has hurt American's results, says Peter Dolara, an American senior vice president. "You can't have more flights where you lose money," he says.

The golfer's deal with Procter & Gamble's Gillette unit is ending Dec. 31, following a plan to phase him out of print and TV ads. Gillette also will cut ties with soccer players Thierry Henry, Kaka, Rafael Marquez and Lionel Messi and other athlete endorsers around the world, Norton told USA Today. Gillette will retain endorsement ties with athletes including tennis' Roger Federer and Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees.

They're out there, right now, leaning over a counter, looking for the perfect necklace, ring, bracelet. They're the men jewelers depend on during what they call "desperation week." Higher-end and mass chains report typically strong sales for jewelry this week. Retailers are experts on the procrastinating male, particularly when it comes to sparkle and glitter. "I think men, I don't want to say they're not as thoughtful, because that sounds wrong, but their thoughtfulness seems to tip toward the last week before Christmas," says Alexis Bittar, who sells jewelry at his own stores as well as at 650 retailers …

The Manhattan theme store for the breakfast pastry is closing for good New Year's Eve, parent company Kellogg says.

As the year ends, consumers will have received 2.25 billion credit card solicitations, a 62% increase from 2009, estimates Synovate Mail Monitor, which tracks credit card solicitations.

Paul Rowland, culinary development manager at Burger King UK said: "We ... wanted to create a recipe that would challenge existing sprout perceptions, and genuinely make sprouts a flavor to be reckoned with." Hurry! The burger is available at selected Burger King restaurants until Dec. 24.

Good news for the 20% of us who just started holiday shopping this week. Online retailers are so flush with success that they are doing everything they can to make sure gifts arrive in time for Christmas. Joan Broughton, who heads Shop.org, the National Retail Federation's online division, says she's never seen anything like it.

The brand of men's comfort shoes asked people to share their most uncomfortable moments in an online contest and promoting it with banner ads such as, "Uncomfortable is: Being selected for additional airport screening. Comfortable is: XC4." The unofficial winner: "Uncomfortable is realizing that the macadamia nuts on the table used to be covered in chocolate until your father, who has no teeth, was finished with them. This realization occurs after having had a handful."

"Inside the Rings, with Troy Aikman" is scheduled to air nationally prior to Super Bowl XLV on Fox on Feb. 6. Among other stars of past Super Bowls, the show will feature quarterback Drew Brees, who was named MVP of Super Bowl XLIV when he led the Saints to a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Rent-A-Center is not officially affiliated with the NFL or the Super Bowl. But the company is taking advantage of the fact that Aikman, who will be part of the Super Bowl XLV broadcast team as a Fox announcer/analyst, is featured in its national …