Learn who we are and how we serve our community
Meet our leaders, trustees and team
Developing the next generation of talent
Covering the latest news and trends in the marketplaces industry
Check out wide-ranging resources that educate and inspire
Learn about the governmental initiatives we support
Connect with other professionals at a local, regional or national event
Find webinars from industry experts on the latest topics and trends
Grow your skills online, in a class or at an event with expert guidance
Access our Member Directory and connect with colleagues
Get recommended matches for new business partners
Find tools to support your education and professional development
Learn about how to join ICSC and the benefits of membership
Stay connected with ICSC and continue to receive membership benefits
Holiday sales this year will grow by 4.5 to 5 percent over last year's season, exceeding some $1.1 trillion, according to Deloitte’s annual holiday retail forecast.
Retail sales during last year's November–December holiday season (seasonally adjusted and excluding automotive and gasoline) grew by 3.1 percent and totaled some $1.09 trillion according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“Near-record low unemployment rates coupled with continued monthly job creation may encourage people to spend more during the holiday season”
E-commerce sales, meanwhile, are likely to rise by between 14 and 18 percent, or roughly between $144 billion and $149 billion, Deloitte says, an even stronger increase than the 11.2 percent of a year ago.
"The projected holiday-season growth is, in part, due to the current health of the labor market," said Daniel Bachman, Deloitte's U.S. economic forecaster. "Near-record low unemployment rates coupled with continued monthly job creation may encourage people to spend more during the holiday season. The economy is still growing, albeit at a slower rate. Additionally, we continue to see consumer confidence elevated, which also helps boost holiday spending."
By Edmund Mander
Director, Editor-In-Chief/SCT
