NPD Analyst Predicts "Hamstrung Holiday"

"The retailers have finally learned some lessons and not rushed holiday into their stores," says Cohen. "Consumers have demonstrated their propensity to buy closer to need and in-season, retailers have less inventory commitment and this affords them the ability to hold off. In the past we have seen holiday leveraged even before the Halloween candy was given out. This year, we are likely to see holiday in stores after the elections are over."

In addition, Cohen predicts consumers will wait to hit stores until after the elections are over. Meanwhile, Cohen says retailers and brands will feel restricted "with both their inability to figure out what will excite consumers, as well as with the fact that they have to live with the conservative holiday planning they did earlier this year."