Many chains expected to post softer Dec. sales
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Many U.S. retailers are expected to report disappointing December sales later this week, hurt by everything from the challenging economy to unfavorable weather to the calendar, which shifted more holiday sales to November.
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An already weak holiday shopping season turned out to be even worse than expected for many of the nation's retailers, who reported Thursday they had sluggish sales results for December. The disappointing performance raised more concerns about consumer spending.
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With less than two weeks of shopping left until Christmas, the nation&#39;s malls and stores stepped up discounts over the weekend, but business appeared to be mixed, according to analysts.
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Don't be shocked, but: New home sales were soft last year.
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Jewelers like Tiffany & Co , Zale Corp  and Finlay Enterprises  are set to release holiday sales data later this week -- and analysts are expecting less-than-sparkling results.
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In spite of a burst of Friday spending, the holiday shopping season got off to a sluggish start, forcing retailers to reassess their strategies for luring buyers. Slow sales reported by three retail sales trackers on Tuesday were blamed on higher fuel costs and an overall lack of confidence in the economy.
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U.S. retailers are expected to post  modest November sales this week, with No. 1 retailer Wal-Mart  Stores Inc. WMT.N already cutting its holiday outlook on high  oil prices and warmer weather.
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U.S. retailers on Thursday delivered mixed sales results for December, the year's key shopping month, with upscale stores faring well but many others slashing prices, squeezing profits.
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With less than two weeks of shopping left until Christmas, the nation's malls and stores stepped up discounts over the weekend, but business appeared to be mixed, according to analysts.
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Target Corp  warned on Monday  that its December same-store sales were below expectations and  said it now expects sales at stores open at least a year in the  range of down 1 percent to up 1 percent, adjusted for a  calendar shift.
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U.S. retailers on Thursday delivered  mixed sales results for December, the year's key shopping  month, with upscale stores faring well but many others slashing  prices, squeezing profits.
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A leading retail trade group predicted yesterday that holiday sales growth will lag behind last year's in an early forecast that set a tepid tone for the most important shopping season of the year.
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The November sales results for a few retailers raise some questions.
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LOS ANGELES - Toy makers and major retailers are bracing for potentially weak Christmas sales this year amid concerns that consumers, many squeezed by skyrocketing gas prices or uneasiness over the economy, will spend less on holiday shopping.    On Monday, No...
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Holiday sales are expected to rise,   though at a slower rate than last year as consumers fret about   the declining housing market, according to a National Retail   Federation economic forecast on Tuesday.
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Early holiday sales reports are weak, with Target Corp., the nation's No.2 retailer, warning that its sales may have fallen in December.
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Drugstores reported unusually weak December sales on Thursday, weighed down by a slow flu season, lower-priced generic drugs and sluggish sales of seasonal items.