RETAIL FEDERATION EXPECTS HIGHER SALES THIS YEAR

Retailers predict the consumer confidence that fueled a robust holiday shopping season will lead to strong sales this year, propelling an industry that has been upended by the rise of Amazon and dramatic shifts in the way people shop. The National Retail Federation said Thursday that it expects sales to rise 3.8% to 4.4% this year compared with 2017, not counting sales of cars, gasoline and restaurants. The surge will include a spike in e-commerce and non-store purchases, which are expected to grow 10% to 12% this year.