Bloomberg Brick-and-mortar retailers did enough things right on Black Friday to consider the event a success, even if the crowds of past years haven’t returned. Chains simplified promotions this year and took a keener eye to managing their inventory. At Wal-Mart Stores Inc., colour-coded maps helped shoppers navigate the aisles. Retailers also made headway with their e-commerce sites, aiming to …

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Abu Dhabi Ports are to establish a joint Marine Simulator Centre in Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, to provide a range of maritime training for the UAE’s growing marine workforce. Under this long-term partnership, the Marine Simulation Centre will provide training for ADNOC employees and serve the wider marine …

Dubai / Reuters Bank of Sharjah and Invest Bank are in merger talks that could create an institution with about AED50.6 billion ($13.8 billion) of assets, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. In the latest latest sign of consolidation in the United Arab Emirates’ crowded banking industry, the two lenders have held on-and-off discussions over a potential merger since …