It’s not a huge secret that AT&T has suffered a tattered reputation in recent times, while such products as the, I-phone has given it many new customers it’s networks has in return suffered under the increased data usage throughout the entire network infrastructure taking it to unacceptable levels and slow downs. So in a bold yet not unheard of move AT&T has moved to acquire T-Mobile USA for a mind boggling $39 billion from Deutsche Telekom, it will also acquire approximately 8% of AT&T, the Deutsche Telekom will also be gaining a seat on AT&T’s board of directors. The bold new combined entity, if it can off course gather regulatory approval, will become simply the largest carrier in the U.S. by leaps and bounds. AT&T and T-Mobile USA combined have well over 25% more subscribers now than it’s rival company Verizon (125+ million vs. 93+ million).

The VP of European Marketplaces at eBay, Clare Gilmartin, hopes for no surprises in today’s Budget. The VP was quoted as saying “The government should focus on measures that will increase consumer confidence and spending levels in today’s Budget”, this comes ahead of concerns that online shoppers are not feeling as safe as they once we’re using credit cards to purchase things online. EBay has recently published new data that indicates consumer spending returned to typical seasonal levels in February. Some recent falls in consumer confidence have made certain items see a drop in regular sales such as fridges and freezers that have dropped by as much as 12 percent in the recent months compared with this time last year..

Natural energy is becoming more of a viable alternative for companies to save money on energy use. One such example is the Retail giant Tesco. It has just completed installing four giant wind turbines that will ultimately power up to three of their (DC) distribution centers. The wind turbines stand around 90 meters tall and are capable of powering 500 domestic homes. There is nothing wasted here as well with any surplus energy simply redirected to the national grid, with the retail giant planning a bold move to be carbon neutral by 2050, this builds on the previous investments by the grocer into diversifying into more energy efficient and low-carbon technologies.

Major retailers posted a 4.2% increase in sales. The gain, which beat expectations of a 3.6% rise, was spread across all major retail categories, including discounters, department stores, apparel sellers and teen clothing chains.

Despite winter storms and rising gas prices, the retail market shows retail sales improved significantly in the month of February. Sales improvements were recorded in categories ranging from clothing to furniture. The strong sales performance in February was driven by store promotions, better weather and demand for spring merchandise.

With unemployment claims falling, “There must be a lot of new jobs getting created out there,” said Chris Rupkey, an economist at Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi in New York.

These sales surges are going to make more jobs and will hopefully help with the unemployment rate.

The country’s high unemployment rate has been the last major problem hammering retail sales, analysts said. An improvement could strengthen the retail sector even more.

Figures released by MasterCard Advisors’ SpendingPulse show shoppers spent more in most categories in February. Clothing sales rose 6 percent. Furniture sales rose 4 percent — the fourth consecutive increase for that category, one of the hardest hit during the recession.

These strong retail improvements have been slowly climbing for the last several months, adding retail jobs and a sign of positive economic growth in the country.

Sales of luxury items excluding jewelry rose 1.7 percent. Online sales rose 13.2 percent, continuing to outpace sales in stores.

More details on February spending will come Thursday when major retailers, including Target Corp. and Macy’s Inc., report their revenue at stores open at least a year.

U.S retailers encountered surprisingly strong sales gains for the month of February. The surge in retail sales suggests that people are benefiting from the economic recovery. Chief economist, Michael Niemira stated that high retail sales are adding more retail jobs.

He believes that the economy may be shifting, at least technically, from recovery to expansion. In recent months, retails sales have been improving. Some economists’ worry that rising gas prices could affect shopper’s budgets just as the sector is building momentum.

This could be a major setback for retail sales. Target Corp’s sales remained lackluster, however, Target’s total retail sales rose 2.4 percent in February, compared to the 2010 period. The high sales in February could catch on and help increase retail jobs and help improve the economy. It’s clear that sales in retail have been on the steady climb suggesting that the economy may be on a strong rise. U.S retailers have enjoyed these much-needed increases in retail sales.

Target said it expects a decline in its March comparable-store sales, partly because the Easter holiday is later this year. It expects same-store sales in April to be very strong. If the momentum in February sales can remain we can expect some real improvements in the economy. The more retail sales, the more job opportunity for that sector. Retail sales are a great way to judge progress in a struggling economy.

Target Corp, however, posted a same-store sales increase of just 1.8 percent; similar to the low increases the discounter has posted in most of the preceding seven months.

Target’s total retail sales increased 2.4 percent in February, compared to the 2010 period.