NEW YORK (AP) — ShopperTrak, a retail research firm, predicted Tuesday that total holiday sales will rise 1.6 percent compared with a year ago, which would be good news for retailers compared with last year’s steep decline.
The research firm also expects a 4.2 percent decline in foot traffic from last year’s holidays.
Last year, holiday sales fell 5.9 percent while foot traffic dropped 15.4 percent, according to ShopperTrak estimates. The research firm tracks customer traffic at more than 45,000 stores.
The holiday sales estimate is a bit rosier than other forecasts offered over the past few weeks, which have been at best no better than unchanged from last year’s debacle. The holiday 2008 season saw the biggest sales decline in at least several decades.
The National Retail Federation, usually bullish about holiday sales, predicts a 1 percent decline in total sales to $437.6 billion for November and December combined.
“The consumer is just tired” of all the bad news, said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak, based in Chicago. He added that shoppers have pulled back from buying sweaters and other purchases over the past year and are looking to refill their closets, though spending will be tempered.
Business
ShopperTrak forecasts slight holiday sales rise
- Business
-
-
Dodge Dart to join compact car race
If the new Dodge Dart sells anything like the original, Chrysler will have the small-car hit it needs.
-
Sugar Bowl, BP to promote Gulf seafood, tourism
The Sugar Bowl has announced plans with oil giant BP for a two-week promotion of Gulf Coast seafood and culture.
-
Can foreign tourists help US economy?
More than a decade after the federal government strengthened travel requirements after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, foreign visitors say getting a temporary visa remains a daunting and sometimes insurmountable hurdle.
-
First Cider Sippin' champ named
Village Pizza was the winner of the Sippin’ Cider contest held Dec. 10 in downtown Athens.
-
Local FBLA students celebrate American Enterprise Day
Students in Debbie Wilson’s business management program at the Limestone County Career Technical Center recently celebrated American Enterprise Day with a field trip to the downtown square in Athens.
-
David Perkins opening State Farm office on County Line
David Perkins opened a new State Farm Insurance office Dec. 1 at 11156 County Line Road, Suite D in Madison.
-
Business Spotlight: Servpro of Limestone and Lawrence Counties
-
Administration aims for simpler credit card bills
-
Gov. Bentley reassures foreign industries over immigration law
Alabama's governor says he worries that the state's tough immigration law could hurt industry recruitment and that's why he's reaching out to foreign companies to let them know that Alabama welcomes them.
-
Greene awarded certification in funeral business
- More Business Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
