Burger King and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen both booked double-digit third-quarter sales growth, while sibling brand Tim Hortons saw sales dip slightly. Parent Restaurant Brands International is focusing on store remodels, beverage programmes, technology and other long-term investments to fuel Tim Hortons' growth, CEO Jose Cil said.

Neiman Marcus has launched its first permanent department dedicated to gadgets at its San Francisco flagship, in partnership with Amsterdam-based electronics brand Smartech. Products include heated Gillette razors, Nuraphone headphones, La Luer beauty tools and a Brava smart oven.

Retailer After Beauty has created an immersive beauty experience in its new three-story shop in London. The store sells about 140 different products in a space where shoppers can test items, and it will also offer express services, including facials, pedicures, manicures and body wraps.

India-based consumer packaged goods companies are boosting international sales to offset slower domestic business. Companies including Godrej Consumer Products and Emami have been growing in markets in Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia over the last 10 years, and global markets now generate as much as 50% of sales for some companies.

McDonald's has opened an online shop, Golden Arches Unlimited, where consumers can purchase branded seasonal items, such as a holiday sweaters, beanies and ornaments. Golin, Turner Duckworth, The Marketing Store and Bamko are the agencies behind the initiative and McDonald's Colin Mitchell says, "With the Instagram generation, people want really distinctive merchandise and particularly they want to deploy their fandom," adding, "We want everybody who is wearing it to be a brand ambassador."

Canada Goose opened a new Toronto flagship this week that won't carry inventory but will offer tech-driven cold-weather experiences. The location, called "The Journey: A Canada Goose Experience," features an entrance with panels that crack like ice under foot, video walls and a below-freezing cold room that includes snow for trying on the luxury parkas.

Primark will expand in Eastern Europe with its first store in Slovakia, in addition to earlier announced locations in Prague and Warsaw, Poland. The fashion retailer also plans to roll out four more stores in US locations, including Chicago, Philadelphia, Florida and New Jersey.

Retailers give back to the communities they serve throughout the year, but during the holidays people are moved by the spirit of the season to give more. Many retailers funnel that spirit into programmes that make a difference. Read examples of how retailers from Abercrombie & Fitch to Wendy's are giving back with the help of their customers this season. Read more.