The national Christmas retailing outlook remains muted, according to a national economist, with shoppers focusing on basics and value.
Michael P. Niemira, chief economist and director of research for the International Council of Shopping Centers, forecasts a 1.7 percent year-over-year sales increase coming in November and December. Discounters and wholesalers should benefit, while traditional retailers should struggle.
The full report will be available Friday, and we’ll post a link here..