WP/AP: Group: Holiday Sales Expected to Increase

[DeepModem Mom]

Group: Holiday Sales Expected to Increase
The Associated Press
Wednesday, September 21, 2005


NEW YORK -- Holiday sales are projected to increase 5 percent, less than the 6.7 percent gain in 2004, as higher energy prices, the economic fallout from Hurricane Katrina, shaky consumer confidence and a volatile job market dampen spending, the National Retail Federation said Wednesday.

The good news for consumers? Consumers won't have to wait to get the best deals this year because merchants are expected to be "aggressive in their pricing strategies throughout the entire holiday season," said Rosalind Wells, chief economist for the Washington-based trade association.

After enjoying steady sales throughout the year, the consumer spending pace slowed this summer, and analysts are worried about the fall selling season, which hasn't kicked in for many merchants.

Another challenge for the industry will be a tough comparison with 2004, when merchants reported sizable gains, the National Retail Federation said....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/21/AR2005092100437.html

[acmavm]

1. Right. Like the economy is getting better, unemployment is down, and

bush** is a compassionate Christian.

Idiots.

[Itchinjim]

2. Not at my house, it aint.

n/t

[Theres-a]

3. We've already cancelled christmas.

[tonkatoy57]

4. I like the headline's opposition to the first paragraph

Group: Holiday Sales Expected to Increase"
vs.
Holiday sales are projected to increase 5 percent, less than the 6.7 percent gain in 2004

True enough, but in a way misleading.

I happened to read this morning in the local paper that Federated Department Stores, which recently purchased the hometown May Department Stores, is so concerned about what they anticipate as being a spectacularly crappy holiday sales season that they are trying to shove 1700 local May employees out the door as quickly as possible. They don't want them eating up precious profits during a downer of a shopping season.

What to believe, what to believe.

[all.of.me]

11. that's what i thought, too! very misleading.

increase 5%. but actually it's a decrease, down from 6.7%? am i reading that right? i have the flu, so maybe it DOES make sense, and it's just me.....

[anotherdrew]

5. it's not even thanksgiving yet, and already the happy-talk is up

go for it Group! talk up those sales

[BR_Parkway]

6. "OMG, if we don't tell consumers that everyone else is consuming, they

might not consume enough to make it possible for us to consume at the rate we've become accustomed to consuming. I want a headline on my desk in 15 minutes, and it better stir some people to start buying shit or heads are going to roll"

In the rest of the article, they say:

This year, the trade association broadened its definition of retail sales to include business from grocery stores, health and personal care stores, home improvement stores, office supply stores and florists. Total sales, however, still exclude business from auto dealers, gas stations and restaurants. Previous sales data have been revised to reflect the new formula for calculating retail sales.

So, if you're projecting a 5% increase in sales from last year, but you've just lumped in all groceries and home improvment, just how bad a year is it for electronics, clothing, etc? A short trip to the grocery store is already running about 6-8% higher than last year, even more if you buy milk.

[Ben Ceremos]

16. Blog about not shopping/consuming...

found it months ago but it seems solid enough to read. Go to the archives where the economic/philosphical advice is...


http://www.edklesiastes.blogspot.com

[Ben Ceremos]

17. Blog about not consuming

and other things. Seems reasonable enough...
http://www.edklesiastes.blogspot.com

[qanda]

7. This is a joke, right?

I don't know anyone who can afford to have Christmas.

[Bad Santa]

8. Not if people have to walk to the mall

If Rita takes out anymore oil platforms or refineries, we all may be walking to the store for a good long while.

[yorkiemommie1]

14. luckily i can walk to the mall

as it's 10 doors away. but i won't be spending anything.

[DeepModem Mom]

19. You're so right, Bad Santa -- welcome to DU!

[Gunit_Sangh]

9. Forecasts for holiday sales not very jolly

That's the headline on the article at USA Today


http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2005-09-21-holiday_x.htm

Let the powers that be know that this year we'll definately be cutting back some on christmas and will not be spending as much as we did last year.

[Bob3]

10. happy talk happy talk happy happy happy talk

I swear to god they must have a word document that they just fill in the blanks when it's time to print the "increase in holiday sales" story. Good God when did the press become such utter whores?

The other comment I have have is "I have read this story and much like it"

[reprobate]

12. If it's a decrease from '04, what is it an increase over? More MSM speak.

I finally figured out what's wrong with this country. We are all suffering from CONSUMPTION--as in the tubercular sense.

[yorkiemommie1]

13. not here

i cancelled the holidays on 11/03/04

if i buy anything for my grown daughter, it will be practical things she needs for getting over her auto accident.


I will send out cards however, all w/ a peace theme on them.

[neverforget]

15. What planet are these people on? Do they think we're all rich and can

afford everything while our wages barely increase if at all? Cognitive dissonance......

[NuttyFluffers]

18. i ain't celebrating the holidays again this year... so i don't care

nothing to celebrate.

just working hard, going to school, trying to get a good job outside the country.

if it ain't top ramen or school supplies, it ain't purchased.

[Mari333]

20. No Xmas here this year

Im crochetting scarves for my adult children. wont be buying a damned thing.

[VegasWolf]

21. Holiday sales to INCREASE by ( -2% )!!! Only in BushWorld! nt