
The big winners this holiday season though were non-store, primarily online, retailers who saw sales grow 11.1 percent.
“While non-store retail sales increased a hearty 11 percent this December, total December sales could not make up for shortfalls in certain categories like electronics,” says Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist, the NRF. “Heading into 2013, consumers could continue to think twice about their discretionary purchases as they face decreases in their paychecks and other concerns with their household budgets.”
December retail sales released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Commerce, showed
Clothing and clothing accessories were up 2.5 percent year-over-year. Furniture and home furnishings were also up (3 percent), as were sales of sporting goods, hobby products, books and music (4.7 percent). Electronics and appliances, and health and personal care categories both decreased.
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