Holiday Sales Outlook Brightens As Recent Activity Eases Doubts

INVESTOR'S BUSINESS DAILY ^ | 11/22/05 | Laura Mandaro

[CAWats]

Fresh retail forecasts on Tuesday echoed what Wall Street has been saying for months: Consumers aren't likely to stint on their holiday shopping.

The National Retail Federation revised its holiday sales forecasts higher for the first time ever during a holiday season. It now expects November-December retail sales to rise 6% to $439.53 billion. The NRF saw 5% in September.

Lower gasoline prices have left consumers with more cash to burn, driving sales 7.2% higher in both October and September.

[Caipirabob]

I plan on starting most of my shopping today over the internet. Only tax-free sites if I can mange.

[Living Free in NH]

Which holiday? The story doesn't say.