Window Shopping

Quail Springs Mall and NearbyNow have teamed up to ease the stress of holiday shopping.

A new product search service lets shoppers check store inventory from the Internet or mobile phone, and reserve products to pick up.

The NearbyNow-powered service allows consumers to check availability in 10 minutes or less.

Consumers can use their mobile phone to find last-minute gifts, view coupons and sale promotions, and even receive mobile-only offers.

By texting "QS” to the shortcode NEARBY (632729), shoppers receive simple instructions on how to search hundreds of sale items at Quail Springs Mall and by typing such categories as "toys,” "sneakers,” or any other item.

Quail Springs Mall displays signage outlining the appropriate shortcodes and instructions throughout the mall.

"Shoppers call our service ‘Google for malls' because they can search every brand, product, and sale at the mall,” said Scott Dunlap, chief executive officer of NearbyNow Inc.

The newly constructed Comfort Inn & Suites hotel, 13501 N Highland Park Blvd., is now open.

The Comfort Inn brand is franchised by Choice Hotels International, one of the world's largest lodging franchisors.

Owned and operated by Champion Hotels of Oklahoma City, the Comfort Inn hotel features 68 guestrooms and one meeting room that can accommodate up to 15 people.

The hotel offers free wireless high-speed Internet access, free in-room coffee, indoor pool and business center.

Guestrooms feature microwaves, refrigerators and a 27-inch TV. Some rooms also feature Jacuzzi tubs.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced Tuesday it is donating 3 million meals to hunger relief charity America's Second Harvest to help alleviate a nationwide food shortage at food banks.

The meals are equivalent to $1 million.

The majority of the donation comes in the form of 50 trucks being dispatched to food banks in every state. Trucks will arrive in time for the holidays stocked with macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and spaghetti sauce, and canned vegetables.

Personal donations to America's Second Harvest can be made online at www.secondharvest.org.

The Oklahoma City University Police Department is asking holiday shoppers and travelers to remain alert and stay safe during one of the peak crime times of the year.

"This is the time of year that people will literally break into a house to get Christmas presents to take home to their family,” said Steve Taylor, assistant police chief at OCU.

He said criminals can target homes, vehicles parked at shopping centers and individuals who are not aware of their surroundings.

"Staying alert and aware can help keep you safe,” he said.