Holiday Blahs?
Holiday sales won’t do much to lift retailers’ spirits, according to retail forecaster Stevan Buxbaum, executive vice president of Calabasas-based consultancy Buxbaum Group. Buxbaum said holiday retail sales are expected to be lackluster, much like this year’s back-to-school sales, and consumers will spend their money carefully, primarily on quality items rather than quantity. In addition, retailers are unlikely to engage in price wars as they have in years past. The one bright note: Luxury retailers should continue to post strong sales, Buxbaum said, noting that designer handbags are likely to be a popular gift item.
