Will Holiday Sales Revive Slow Retail Sales?

With colder than normal and other severe weather conditions hampering retail in the first and second quarters of 2014, economist predict sales will increase in the third and fourth quarters but not enough to offset the slow start. Despite negative projections offsetting holiday retail expectations, the news is not all bad. According to Dan Eaton of bizjournals.com "employment is growing at the strongest pace since 2005, business and consumer confidence is up and manufacturing activity is growing."

While Santa may not exactly be dropping off new Mercedes or even a free month's lease on a Prius this year, overall the economy continues to grow. As a forever optimist, I still see the toilet bowl half full! As for Santa himself, his helpers are doubling up shifts and working twice as hard to fill those etch a sketch and iPad orders.