Evidence is mounting that retailers are in for a cheery season this year. This survey follows NRF’s annual holiday spending forecast, which uses a variety of economic factors to project overall spending rather than per-consumer spending. The forecast estimates that total sales would rise between 4.3% and 4.8%, or $717.5 billion and $720.9 billion.
“Confidence is near an all-time high, unemployment is the lowest we’ve seen in decades and take-home wages are up. All of that is reflected in consumers’ buying plans,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. “Retailers expect strong demand this year, and are prepared with a wide array of merchandise while offering strong deals and promotions during the busiest and most competitive shopping season of the year period.”
