12-30-2008, 09:48 AM
Quote:Online holiday sales declined 2.3% from Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, according to the SpendingPulse report from MasterCard Advisors LLC,... Overall retail sales were down even more, between 2% and 4% when excluding gasoline sales...
Retailers that sell food, such as grocery and general merchandise stores, and some restaurant sectors helped keep the overall retail sales decline in single digits, according to the report. But some key sectors suffered double-digit declines.
Apparel sales declined between 19% and 21% during the holiday season, with a 22-23% decline in womenâs apparel...
Electronics and appliances suffered declines of more than 26% in sales this holiday season versus last yearâs...
full article: http://www.internetretailer.com/dailyNews.asp?id=28898