Post-Holiday Retail Sales Are Now Key To Shopping Season Success

U.S. Shoppers spent less this holiday season, according to reports released today. The National Retail Federation had expected a 4.1 percent increase holiday sales this year, for about $586.1 billion in revenues, but current estimates are coming in lower. Research from MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse shows the sales of electronics, clothing, jewelry and home goods in the two months before Christmas increased 0.7 percent compared with last year, according to ABC News. Despite that somber report, it also states that the final week of December usually accounts for approximately 15 percent of the month's sales.