It’s official now, Christmas was “lackluster” for retailers, despite the predicted “last minute” serge of shopping activity. From USAToday:

The International Council of Shopping Centers said same-store sales, or sales at stores open at least a year during the November-December period, appear to be coming in just below meager projections, though it said post-Christmas buying could help restore the shortfall.

Target indicated Tuesday that its sales may have fallen in December. The nation’s No. 2 retailer scaled back projections, saying same-store sales for the five weeks through Jan. 5 would range from a 1% increase to a 1% decrease vs. earlier expectations for a gain of 3% to 5%.

MasterCard said holiday spending — including credit, cash and checks — climbed a modest 2.4%, weighed by a slowdown in sales of women’s apparel.

So stores are once again trying to extend the holiday season. ShopperTrak RCT says the week after Christmas accounts for about 16% of total holiday sales.

Some of us have to work today, but we know many of you treat this as the “real” Black Friday. Will you be shopping today? Redeeming gift cards? Returning all the stupid crap your Aunt Suzie bought you? Stocking up on clearance holiday stuff?

Retailers hope post-Christmas sales can save the season [USAToday]
(Photo:ikibalam)

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