November is usually the least popular month for a wedding but today we will see a boom in the wedding industry.  Eight times more people will get married in November than last year since today is 11-12-13.  Wedding have grown to a $40 billion industry in the US. (New York Times)

The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index collapsed in October with the stated cause being the government shutdown.  The net percent of owners expecting better business conditions in six months was a net negative 17% in the survey, down 17 points from August. (NFIB)

With 43 days left till Christmas Wal-Mart is not going to be left behind this holiday shopping season.  The world’s largest retailer will open at 6pm on Thanksgiving, two hours earlier than last year. If you shop online Wal-Mart will put many of their Black Friday specials up for sale early Thursday morning. (Reuters)

Portland shoe maker KEEN has launched its own line of clothing.  The line will include pants, shirts, skirts and sweatshirts.  Products will be available only online or at its stores in Portland, San Francisco and Tokyo. (Oregon Live)