Deloitte

Regional retailers are typically defined by geography, but Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk is a bit different than most. Distinguished by its signature Southern hospitality, the nation’s largest privately held department store chain has a dominant presence throughout the South and a footprint as far west as Oklahoma and north through Maryland. But its reach extends even farther, as Canadians and Californians alike shop its e-commerce site.

New York -- Shoppers are in a good mood heading into the holiday season, with the number of consumers planning to spend less on the holidays (37%) at the lowest level since 2006, according to Deloitte's 27th annual survey of holiday spending intentions and trends. One-half (50%) of consumers surveyed expect the economy will improve next year, up from just one-third (33%) heading into the holiday season last year.

NEW YORK — The Deloitte Consumer Spending Index to 3.53 in September from a reading of 3.27 the previous month, primarily due to a nearly 11% increase in home prices, which offset weakness in other areas of the index.

New York -- Deloitte’s Consumer Spending Index rose in September, aided by a near 11% gain in home prices. The Index tracks consumer cash flow as an indicator of future consumer spending.

New York -- Only 58% of consumer product goods executives view dollar stores as a strategic channel, according to Deloitte’s new Dollar Store Strategies for National Brands study. Deloitte advises that CPG companies may not be keeping pace with the explosive growth of the $56 billion dollar store industry, and should act now to maximize market share and profits.

In other survey highlights: 

Deloitte is out with its holiday sales forecast (up 3.5%-4%) and soon other prognosticators will weigh in with their seasonal outlooks.

For now, Deloitte is a lone voice in late September projecting holiday sales will increase between 3.5% and 4%, noting that the economy's health and the presidential election are taking center stage with consumers this fall. Despite the distractions a modest increase is expected, but the gain will be below last year’s growth rate of 5.9%.

New York -- Total holiday sales are expected to climb to between $920 and $925 billion, representing a modest 3.5% to 4% increase in November through January holiday sales (excluding motor vehicles and gasoline) over last season, according to Deloitte’s holiday forecast. The forecast is below last year's 5.9% gain.

Deloitte is forecasting holiday sales will increase between 3.5% and 4% as the economy's health and the presidential election take center stage among consumers this fall.

Despite some distractions this year, retailers should expect a modest increase in 2012 holiday sales, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday forecast release Tuesday morning.