Sarina Trangle

A Veterans Day ceremony in Huntington, N.Y., in November 2023.. Photo by James Carbone / Newsday RM via Getty Images

Key Takeaways Buy now, pay later providers Affirm and Block saw stock prices fall Friday. The decreases come after stock prices for both companies started to climb in August. Affirm told investors it's looking to build its customer bases during the holiday shopping season, which is vital to both it and Block's AfterPay.

Key Takeaways Chipotle stock was recently up more than 1%, rising as broader markets retreated, as investors digested the news that Scott Boatwright was named CEO full-time. Boatwright has been interim CEO since August and with the company since 2017. The burrito business credited Boatwright with improving technology at its restaurants.

Key Takeaways Big-box earnings reports will offer a snapshot view of consumer health and sentiment when they arrive next week. Walmart is slated to hold its earnings call Tuesday, followed by Target on Wednesday. New retail data shows spending picked up in October ahead of the holiday season.

Walmart and Target will report earnings this week, providing fresh insight into how Americans are faring shortly after retail data indicated that consumers are spending more on "fun" categories.

Key Takeaways High-income households are shopping more at Walmart, with its delivery services and membership programs helping drive the growth. CEO Douglas McMillon is optimistic the trend may last "a long time." Food sales grew rapidly, the company said, with many delivery and curbside pickup orders containing gluten-free products and grass-fed beef.

GHI-Plexi Images / UCG / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Key Takeaways William-Sonoma executives are staying away from promotional pricing at a time when some other retailers are cutting prices to attract deal-minded shoppers. The parent of Pottery Barn and West Elm has been backing off discounts for several years. CEO Laura Alber says Williams-Sonoma consumers may be "better off" than others.

Key Takeaways Retailers are trying to get people in the door with exclusive Taylor Swift merch and giveaways this Black Friday. Merchants prefer in-store purchases because of their higher margins and lower return rates, industry experts said. Consumer spending this holiday season is generally expected to rise 3% from last year, according to consulting groups.

Amazon Haul offers an array of apparel, accessories, cookware, and home improvement tools for $20 or less. The platform provides limited consumer feedback or product information. Amazon designed Haul for consumers who care more about cost savings than quick shipping.