WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Retailers across the United States could have dressed as Cheshire cats, grinning while the young and young-at-heart prepared for the annual candy orgy.

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- As U.S. trick-or-treaters race to Halloween, costumes have become racier, moving from spooky ghosts and goblins to more skimpy fare.

NEW YORK, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Bowing to pressure from conservative Christian groups, several U.S. retail stores are reverting to the "Merry Christmas" theme this holiday season.

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- A number of Web sites plan to give U.S. shoppers a preview of their sales for Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.