Ask the Experts: Holiday Sales Predictions

Q: I know that it’s a little early, but what should I expect for holiday sales?

A: Let’s look at what we know. First, this year has been flat at best. Sales for the first seven months have been down 2 percent. Second, we also know that fall 2013 was a strong period up until December. The trends tell us business could be up by small, single digits and my guess is that this is a best-case scenario.

But keep a positive attitude — during the hardest times there are stores that have increases. The economics are strong and the slow spring could have left some pent-up demand for new, exciting merchandise. Plus, I have been shopping the stores and the product looks great!