Holiday Sales Increase 3 Percent

December sales down though due to weather, inventory challenges and discounting.

Holiday sales in 2015 increased 3 percent to $626 billion, according to the National Retail Federation.

Non-store holiday sales grew 9 percent to $105 billion.

December retail sales (excluding cars, gas stations and restaurants) decreased 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted from November; however, retail sales increased 3.1 percent unadjusted on a year-over-year basis.

“A double whammy of deflation and December weather constricted holiday sales growth as well as consumer spending,” says Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist, NRF. “The results of December’s retail sales remind us just how significant of an impact unusual weather can have on retail and overall economic activity.”

“Make no mistake about it, this was a touch holiday season for the industry. Weather, inventory challenges, advances in consumer technology and the deep discounts that started earlier in the season and that have carried into January presented stiff headwinds as retailers competed with one another and their own bottom line,” says Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer, NRF. “Despite these factors, the industry rallied, consumers responded and sales still grew at a healthy rate, which is a huge testament to the resilience, knowledge and expertise of our retail leadership.”