Final Holiday Numbers Top Expectations
Washington, DC – After a season full of peaks and valleys, final figures for retailers’ 2011 holiday sales beat expectations, rising 4.1% to $471.5 billion year-over year. Earlier forecasts by the National Retail Federation were for a lower 3.8% growth.
Seasonally adjusted, December retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) decreased 0.06% from November.
Washington, DC – After a season full of peaks and valleys, final figures for retailers’ 2011 holiday sales beat expectations, rising 4.1% to $471.5 billion year-over year. Earlier forecasts by the National Retail Federation were for a lower 3.8% growth.
Seasonally adjusted, December retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) decreased 0.06% from November.
“The right mix of strong promotions, lean inventories and an emphasis on value put retailers in the perfect position to end the year on a high note,” said Matthew Shay, CEO of the trade group.