The industry group said that "With retailers leading But the NRF warned that reluctance of small businesses to add employees and higher gasoline prices could yet slow consumer spending. U.S.
stronger-than-expected sales in November and December made it
"cautiously optimistic" that shoppers will further increase spending
this year.
the charge, the economic recovery appears to be gaining some steam," NRF
Chief Executive Matthew Shay said in a statement.
retailers rang up their best holiday sales in six years, with the 2010
season's sales up 5.7 percent, according to the NRF. The NRF had
forecast a 3.3 percent increase. The NRF forecasts exclude online sales,
cars, gasoline and restaurants.