Three out of four New Zealand homes are failing to meet new energy-efficiency standards.

Exchanging gifts may depend on having the right paperwork and the harassed retailer's goodwill.

Some of the country's leading fashion boutiques are playing fast and loose with the law on replacing or refunding damaged goods.

A toddler spent a night writhing in agony after playing with a toy containing toxic levels of lead. The toy gun was one of eight toys the Commerce Commission last week warned were unsafe.

Forget waiting for Boxing Day sales - some retailers are already advertising sales with discounts of up to 70 per cent.

Children's toys and lipsticks are at the centre of an investigation which has found a toy that contains lead 314 times over the allowable limit.

Survey finds only 10 per cent of outlets meet the voluntary criteria for safety.

The Commerce Commission says it's investigating the sale of "Credit Sails" bonds, which crashed during the global financial crisis.

Christmas hamper provider Chrisco is facing a likely court appearance for alleged breaches of the Fair Trading Act.

About 30,000 customers are switching power companies per month as the battle for new customers heats up and consumers chase better deals.

A cutprice airfare war has erupted on the Tasman, and some flights are now as cheap as a cab to the airport.