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• Retail sales forecasts are predictors of future market performance based on past season trends. Retailers commonly report gains or losses to their shareholders and business media, which can then be compiled to get an idea of upcoming results.

  The forecasts for 2009 look gloomy, according to financial experts. Retail sales increased with about 1% in 2008, the lowest increase since 1970. It is estimated that the average retail sales of December dropped for the first time in 30 years.North Jersey.com: Retailers post first drop in December sales in at least 30 years (January 8, 2009) Star-Telegram: Retailers report dismal December sales (January 8, 2009)

• Fast Facts

  1. Forecast for 2009 looks gloomy, according to financial expertsStar-Telegram: Retailers report dismal December sales (January 8, 2009)
  2. Retail sales in 2008 rose with 1%, the lowest increase since 1970Star-Telegram: Retailers report dismal December sales (January 8, 2009)
  3. December retail sales dropped in 2008 for the first time in 30 yearsStar-Telegram: Retailers report dismal December sales (January 8, 2009)
  4. U.S. stocks dropped on January 9, 2009, after reports on 2008 holiday salesBloomberg.com: U.S. Stocks Drop on Retail Forecasts (January 8, 2009)
  5. Major sale declines in 2008 reported by Sears Holdings Corp., Saks Inc. and Gap Inc.Star-Telegram: Retailers report dismal December sales (January 8, 2009)

• Previous Forecast

  In 2008, fears of a recession, coupled with system-wide financial instability, drove forecasts down for many retailers.Blogging Stocks: The Week in Preview: Macy's, Nordstrom, Abercrombie, JCPenney... (November 9, 2008) The forecast came through, as retail sales experienced its lowest increase in sales since 1970 in 2008.Star-Telegram: Retailers report dismal December sales (January 8, 2009)

• Definition

  "Prediction of the future sales of a particular product over a specific period of time based on past performance of the product, inflation rates, unemployment, consumer spending patterns, market trends, and interest rates. In the preparation of a comprehensive marketing plan, sales forecasts help the marketer develop a marketing budget, allocate marketing resources, and monitor the competition and the product environment." — Marketing Dictionary, Answers.comAnswers.com: Sales Forecast

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