kept its forecast that holiday sales — from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 — would grow 3 to 4 percent this year.
Mastercard, for example, said sales both in stores and online rose 2.5 percent on Nov. 24, from a year earlier.
Like Mastercard’s estimate, the retail consultancy forecast that — adjusted for inflation — sales slipped slightly, Mr. Johnson said.
If stores have too much inventory on hand, they may have to cut prices more than expected, which would erode their profits.
“Really for the first time in four quarters, we are seeing retailers get inventories better aligned with sales,” Mr. Yruma said.
Persons:
” Matthew Shay, ”, Craig Johnson, Johnson, Edward Yruma, Piper Sandler, Mr, Yruma, “
Organizations:
National Retail Federation, Mastercard, Growth Partners, Target