Wal-Mart tabs website as critical

Wal-Mart Web site central to sales plan

NEW YORK -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Monday unveiled Thanksgiving holiday sales plans, which focus heavily on using its Web site to publicize its discount prices and begin the extended holiday shopping weekend. The retailer has said it would post online-only deals on the Web site on Thanksgiving, which can be purchased the same day. The online push comes as Wal-Mart works to incorporate its Web site more closely with its stores and boost lagging sales in the U.S.

Motor Trend picks Cadillac CTS

DETROIT -- Motor Trend magazine has named the new Cadillac CTS its 2008 car of the year, saying it is proof that Detroit can build a world-class sedan. The award, to be announced today, is significant because it shows the world Detroit is back in the car business after years of focusing on sport utility vehicles and trucks, magazine Editor-in-Chief Angus MacKenzie said. The CTS has a base price of $32,990. Last year's winner was the Toyota Camry. Last month the magazine named the 2008 Mazda CX-9 as its sport utility vehicle of the year.

Nordstrom profits up 22 percent

SEATTLE -- Nordstrom Inc. said Monday third-quarter earnings rose 22 percent, helped by an extra week of sales the company counted in the quarter compared with a year ago, but the luxury retailer lowered its outlook just days before the official start of the Christmas shopping season. Nordstrom said its profit rose to $165.7 million, or 68 cents per share, compared with $135.7 million, or 52 cents per share, during the same period last year.

Medtronic earnings down slightly

MINNEAPOLIS -- Medical device maker Medtronic Inc. said Monday its second-quarter profits dipped 2 percent after it recalled wires for connecting its defibrillator to patients' hearts. Medtronic said it earned $666 million, or 58 cents per share, down from $681 million, or 59 cents per share, during the same period last year.