NRF Points to Holiday Growth

Washington, D.C., The National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that November and December sales grew 5.7% over the same period in 2003. The numbers include sales for retailers of general merchandise, apparel, furniture and home furnishings, electronics and appliances, sporting goods, books, and hobby and music items. The 5.7% growth figure represents a rebound from a lackluster start to the holiday season, and tops the NRF’s original projection of 4.5% growth for the holidays. NRF says 2004 brought the biggest holiday-sales gain since 1999.