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Retailers Appear Optimistic About Christmas Sales

Retailers Appear Optimistic About Christmas Sales

Henry Schlesinger for Vending Times
October 18, 2012

WASHINGTON — Some recent predictions
for Christmas sales this year say there will be a modest increase in
consumer spending. According to the National Retail Federation,
the 2012 holiday forecast of a 4.1% gain is higher than the 10-year
average holiday sales increase of 3.5%, though still lower than last
year’s, which jumped a surprising 5.6%. For those vending and amusement
operators reliant on crowded malls, big-box stores and central shopping
districts, this is good news indeed.

“This is the most optimistic forecast NRF has released since the
recession. In spite of the uncertainties that exist in our economy and
among consumers, we believe we’ll see solid holiday sales growth this
year,” said NRF president and chief executive Matthew Shay. “Variables
including an upcoming presidential election, confusion surrounding the
‘fiscal cliff’ and concern relating to future economic growth could all
combine to affect consumers’ spending plans, but overall we are
optimistic that retailers’ promotions will hit the right chord with
holiday shoppers.”

The figures released by the NFR estimate total retail sales reaching
$586.1 billion during the busy shopping season. That figure is tempered
by consumer uncertainty regarding the economy. “There’s still some
general anxiety amongst consumers when it comes to how the state of the
economy is impacting their spending plans, but retailers can expect to
see excitement around their promotions and plenty of bargain hunters
both online and in stores in the coming months,” Shay said.

While the NFR also includes online sales …Read the complete article

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