Dell Inc. doesn't have to start over in its quest to become a significant purveyor of technology for businesses after losing a multibillion dollar bidding contest for an obscure data-storage maker. (www.newsvine.com)

Pier 1 Imports Inc. said Thursday its second-quarter sales rose 8 percent year-over-year as more customers shopped in its stores and the retailer enticed more browsers to buy its furniture and home accessories. (www.newsvine.com)

The fastest-growing PC company of the last few years stumbles during the second quarter of this year. But observers say it has more to do with Acer's reliance on notebook sales in a period when desktops have been seeing a bump in sales. (news.cnet.com)

Sales of alcohol in Utah bars rose 1 percent in the first year since the state eliminated its private club system. (www.newsvine.com)

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Orders to U.S. factories managed a slight gain in July as a surge in demand for commercial aircraft helped offset widespread weakness in other areas. (www.newsvine.com)

The number of buyers who signed contracts to purchase previously occupied homes increased in July but remained well below last year's levels, a sign that demand for housing remains weak. (www.newsvine.com)

Luxury department store Nordstrom Inc. said Thursday that its revenue at stores open at least a year rose 6.3 percent in August, just beating Wall Street expectations. (www.newsvine.com)

Teen retailer American Eagle Outfitters Inc. said Thursday that its August revenue in stores open at least a year rose 1 percent, about even with analyst estimates. (www.newsvine.com)

SARATOV, Russia (Reuters) - President Dmitry Medvedev ordered law enforcement agencies on Thursday to prevent speculators driving up food prices after the worst harvest in years and pledged help to ensure affordable food staples. (feeds.reuters.com)

Women's clothing seller The Cato Corp. said Thursday that revenue in stores open at least one year rose 2 percent in August. (www.newsvine.com)

Costco Wholesale Corp. said Thursday that revenue at stores open at least a year increased 7 percent in August, buoyed by higher gas prices and improved international revenue. (www.newsvine.com)

Some 240 women, girls and babies may have been raped after rebels seized a town in DR Congo, the UN says. (www.bbc.co.uk)

Rising tensions in the Mideast cast a shadow over the start of the first direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in nearly two years, and leaders at the Washington summit vowed to press on. (feeds.wsjonline.com)

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The number of people filing claims for unemployment benefits in Spain rose in August by about 61,000 as temporary summer work contracts began to expire, the Labor Ministry said Thursday. Spain - Jobless claims - Unemployment benefits - Travel and Tourism - History (feeds.boston.com)