Hiring by the nation’s retailers this past holiday season was at the highest level in six years despite the uncertain economy, Superstorm Sandy and the presidential election, according to an analysis of government job data by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Chicago.

Ulta Beauty reported that its holiday revenue grew 23.2% as sales “strongly” rebounded the weekend before Christmas.

A report issued Thursday by Experian Marketing Services found that online traffic to the top 500 retail sites on Christmas Day 2012 rose 27% compared to 2011.

A report issued by ShopperTrak found that last-minute shopping activity drove large increases in both retail sales and foot traffic last week.

Poll results released by Consumer Reports found that, with only five shopping days left until Christmas, 68% of shoppers – or about 132 million Americans – have yet to finish their gift shopping.

A report released by ShopperTrak revealed a downwardly revised holiday forecast indicating a 2.5% year-over-year sales increase.

Last-minute holiday shoppers will have some help from Macy’s this year, as the retailer plans keep most of its stores open 48 hours straight the weekend before Christmas, from 7 a.m. Dec. 21 through 7 a.m. on Dec. 23.

Retailers in the United States are expected to lose $8.9 billion over the holiday season as a result of shoplifting, dishonest employees and vendor or distribution losses, according to a new study released by the Centre for Retail Research.

By Shelley E. Kohan, RetailNext

Each year, since the “big recession,” retailers have been putting out their holiday decorations and starting their promotional sales as early as mid-October.

Consumers will shop more and visit more stores during the peak holiday shopping months of November and December, according to ShopperTrak, the world's largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic.

Three-fourths (75%) of retailers forecast an increase in holiday sales this year, according to a survey by Hay Group, a global management consultancy.