Monday
The trading week begins with Cyber Monday. After consumers have hit the malls and big-box stores on Black Friday, online retailers gear up for their day to shine.
As the theory goes, the Monday after Thanksgiving is a popular day for online shopping. Folks who couldn't land the doorbuster deals they coveted in the real world find themselves at work again on Monday, with e-tailers a click away.
Tuesday
We can turn to China, as China Nepstar (NYSE: NPD) and Shanda Interactive (Nasdaq: SNDA) report. China Nepstar is the country's largest chain of company-owned drugstores. Shanda Interactive is a major player in the online gaming craze that continues to grow in popularity. Both companies are expected to post significant bottom-line improvement for the quarter.
Wednesday
Collective Brands (NYSE: PSS) steps up. That moniker may not be a household name, but its flagship concept -- Payless ShoeSource -- is probably more than familiar. Value-priced footwear always seems to be fashionable when shoppers have holes in their soles -- and pocketbooks.
Thursday
Marvell Technology (Nasdaq: MRVL) and Novell (Nasdaq: NOVL) will team up for a glimpse into the state of tech stocks. In an encouraging sign, analysts see both companies improving their bottom lines over last year's report for the same quarter.
If you're angling for news on something low-tech, check out Del Monte (NYSE: DLM). The human and pet food giant behind Contadina pastas, Meow Mix cat food, and its namesake fruit is targeted to deliver a 50% increase in profitability in its latest quarter. Meaty Bone indeed, Del Monte.
Friday
Big Lots (NYSE: BIG) closes the week with its quarterly report. The recession has been kind to Big Lots, a closeout retailer that has been a magnet for thrifty shoppers. Wall Street sees a profit of $0.18 a share, just ahead of the $0.15 a share the company posted a year ago.
Until next week, I remain,
