Stores Cross Their Fingers for Profits

not very comforting, eh?

"Despite a recovering economy, merchants struggled with modest sales...".

one part of that sentence must be incorrect.

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Stores Cross Their Fingers for Profits


December 21, 2003 06:44 PM EST


NEW YORK - Shoppers jammed the nation's malls on the last weekend before Christmas, snapping up bargains and hunting for popular toys, but retailers were anxious after a much-hoped-for sales bonanza did not materialize for many of them.

Spirits were deflated a bit Sunday after the government warned of a possible terrorist attack during the holiday season.

In response to the heightened national alert level, major mall operators such as Taubman Centers Inc., which owns and manages 31 shopping centers in 13 states, immediately stepped up their security, though company officials declined to elaborate.

~snip~

"The job situation is bad," said Ferree, who has been struggling to find work.

Despite a recovering economy, merchants struggled with modest sales throughout the season and were counting even more for a sales surge this past weekend after two weekends of Northeast snowstorms. Still, retailers held out hope that the last-minute spending will help merchants meet their sales goals.

~snip~

http://start.earthlink.net/newsarticle?cat=1&aid=1221054653_5304_lead_story

Better than 2002, but still not all that great. Economic recovery? I'm sure not seeing it.

10 years, the last 6 months have been the worst in 10 years. She just started picking up the last week with Christmas rushes, but not enough to make a dent.

"Luxury market" seems not all that hot either by her account.