I have also been hearing that the retail sales over Christmas were very bad. Many were hoping for a surge in sales during the next week. Not a good sign.
You heard wrong. Sales were exceptionally strong. The stats are in and this holiday season was a great success for most businesses. Of course, there are a few here and there that didn't do well, but that could be because of bad management. All of the business shows on TV, such as Cavuto, Forbes on Fox, etc. have been saying how well the sales did this season. Don't know where you heard sales were bad. You must be watching too much CNN or MSNBC. Stop it.