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Brick-and-mortar retailers used heavily promoted Black Friday doorbusters--big sales on special items geared to draw in customers--even more this year to try to push back the ever growing competition from the web. Saks Inc. (SKS), Big Lots Inc. (BIG) and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) shares rose more than the broader market during regular session trading Friday.

A mix of retro toys like the new, tech-focused Furby and newer brands including the "Skylanders: Giants" video game and the freaky guys and ghouls of Monster High are generating the greatest buzz in the children's toy aisle this holiday season. Observers will keenly watch the performance of Wal-Mart, Toys "R" Us Inc. and Target Corp. (TGT) since those three retailers contribute roughly two-thirds of annual sales for many top toy manufacturers.

Home-furnishing retailers are entering the holiday season on track for their strongest sales year since 2008--but face new challenges as they try to lure shoppers online with wreathes, ornaments and gift ideas. Online shopping for home furnishings posted double-digit growth last year, and analysts say it is a game all the players are still trying to figure out, prompting retailers from Williams-Sonoma Inc. (WSM) to Pier 1 Imports Inc. (PIR) to offer Black Friday deals online as well as in stores.

Mohawk Industries Inc. (MHK) is in negotiations to buy Italian ceramic-tile company Marazzi Group, Reuters reported Friday, citing two sources familiar with the deal. One source said a deal would be worth about $1.2 billion, Reuters reported.

Write to Nathalie Tadena at [e-mail]

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