Wal-Mart is bringing its value pricing strategy to the MP3 category, selling select tracks for 74 cents. Wal-Mart will also offer a free MP3 "track of the week" and offer a free MP3 download to consumers who purchase a CD in store or online.

Consumer confidence fell to all-time low in October, according to the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index. The monthly survey of 5,000 US households reflects the impact of the financial crisis over the last several weeks. The index now stands at 38, down from 61.4 in September.

Television and digital media company LIN TV's Hartford-New Haven, CT-based stations WTNH-TV (ABC) and WCTX-TV will participate in Backchannelmedia's TV-to-Internet Click Through market trial. Participants in the trial can press a button on their TV remote controls when prompted by a small icon on the screen during both advertising and news content.

Amazon.com, Inc. today announced its third quarter financial results. Net sales increased 31% to $4.26 billion in the third quarter, compared with $3.26 billion in third quarter 2007.

The Parent Company has engaged Oppenheimer & Co. to conduct a strategic and financial review and evaluate unsolicited inquiries from third parties interested in certain non-core assets of the company. "It is our intention to continue to pursue our goal of optimizing our efficient e-commerce and e-content business model," said Todd Edebohls, the recently appointed chairman of the board at The Parent Company, in a statement.

The Direct Marketing Association's annual conference took place last week in Las Vegas, with a general tenor of cau­tious optimism on the show floor and in conference speaker rooms. While the DMA declined to share exact attendance figures, it had expected 550 companies to exhibit.

While financial and economic news is bad for both consumers and businesses these days, the retail sector is being hit especially hard. However, amid the sales drops and predictions for a dismal holi­day season, there are signs that a few retailers haven't been stopped dead in their tracks by the finan­cial turmoil and are moving ahead with innovative projects.

EBay announced this week third quarter revenue of $2.12 billion, up $228 million from the same period last year. The online auction company reported a net income of $492 million, or $0.38 per share. However, the company said gross merchandise volume slipped by 1% during the quarter.

By making the new "One Price Promise" campaign the focus of its holiday marketing program, Circuit City hopes to ensure holiday shoppers know its prices are the same whether they're shopping in store, online or by phone.

Overstock.com has settled all claims with research firm Gradient Analytics stemming from a 2005 lawsuit the company brought against the firm. The lawsuit claimed that Gradient conspired with several hedge funds to write negative research reports and drive down Overstock's stock price.