Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

marmar

(76,985 posts)
Wed Dec 26, 2012, 02:39 PM Dec 2012

Retailers scramble after lackluster holiday sales


(Reuters) - The 2012 holiday season may have been the worst for retailers since the financial crisis, with sales growth far below expectations, forcing many to offer massive post-Christmas discounts in hopes of shedding excess inventory.

While chains like Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Gap Inc are thought to have done well, analysts expect much less from the likes of Barnes & Noble Inc and J. C. Penney Co.

The latest sign of trouble came from MasterCard Advisors Spending Pulse, which reported holiday-related sales rose 0.7 percent from October 28 through December 24, compared with a 2 percent increase last year.

The preliminary estimate from SpendingPulse was in line with other estimates showing weak growth during the holiday season, when retailers can book about 30 percent of annual sales -- and in many cases, half of their profits. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/sns-rt-us-usa-retail-holidaybre8bl03g-20121221,0,2002772.story



1 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Retailers scramble after lackluster holiday sales (Original Post) marmar Dec 2012 OP
I remember how RW nutjobs were pointing out Gore's effect on the stock market zbdent Dec 2012 #1

zbdent

(35,392 posts)
1. I remember how RW nutjobs were pointing out Gore's effect on the stock market
Wed Dec 26, 2012, 04:31 PM
Dec 2012

in 2000 ... and yet, not a mention about how, when Boner agrees with Obama on anything, the markets started an upswing. As soon as Boner got the word from his 'bagger buddies, the market started falling again.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Retailers scramble after ...