David McCorquodale, head of retail for KPMG, said the figures sent "a worrying signal" about the festive season ahead for retailers in Scotland.

BBC: Shopper

But, believe it or not, even in this recession-strung economy, some people are still able to afford multi-million dollar homes, which spawned the question of whether the same rent vs. buy conundrum applied to someone who is able to spend five figures each month for a roof over their head.

FORBES: Standoff: 5 Figure Rental vs. 5 Figure Mortgage

The figures for these underperforming schools were revealed by the head of the government's unit for raising standards in education, Michael Barber, at a conference in the United States on failing schools.

BBC: Hundreds of schools 'failing'

With Skylanders Swap Force being in the hands of Vicarious Visions this year it will be interested to see how they passed (or shared) the mantle of head character designer between them and Toys for Bob, particularly for the Series 3 reposed versions of existing figures.

FORBES: Detailed Run Down of Disney Infinity Cars Collectables