Jan 16, 2012
Final Holiday Numbers Top ExpectationsBy Business-Journal.com

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.

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Tags: holiday retail

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