Quiet Holiday Season Ahead

Early forecasts for the upcoming holiday shopping season predict a 3 percent increase in sales, just below last year’s 4.1 percent rise. Still, the uptick is above the 2.6 percent average gain over the last 10 years. According to research firm ShopperTrak, consumers are expected to research and compare product prices beforehand, as well as shop primarily for bargains and make fewer trips to stores overall.

When gift-givers make it to the store, ShopperTrek reports consumers will be divided between high- and low-end shopping. Retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom Inc. expect their shoppers to pay full price, even for the most expensive products in the store. On the other hand, Wal-Mart stores Inc said its core low-income shoppers are struggling to make ends meet and will offer holiday lay-a-ways to help get gifts under the tree.