The National Retail Federation is predicting holiday retail sales to rise almost 3% to $465.6 billion, which represents far slower growth than last year’s 5.2% gain. Based on a shaky economy and high unemployment, many retailers are taking a wait-and-see approach to stocking their shelves this year, which has resulted in a later “peak” season than normal. For many businesses, this phenomenon will result in a rush to get goods on shelves if demand picks up at the last minute, driving the need for more air cargo shipments.