Post-holiday retail sales down to 2% in January

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- January retail sales are expected to grow 2%, down from 4.3% last year, said analysts at Retail Metrics. Same-store retail sales in January, the lowest since October last year, are slightly lower than the 2.2% projected growth. The retail industry research firm said January is one of the year's slowest months as consumers scaled back on spending after a post-holiday hangover. Unusually warm weather and the lack of any shopping catalysts also keep retailers' expectations low. Retail Metrics said forecasts for Macy's , Kohl's and J.C. Penney's have been lower, while high-end chains