How Holiday Retail Sales Are Measuring Up So Far

Ken Perkins discusses the economic outlook for 2019, highlighting challenges like tariffs and interest rates. Retailers are preparing by adjusting inventory and sourcing strategies. Black Friday remains crucial for sales, with a shift towards online shopping. Weather impacts are minimal, with strong consumer confidence and low unemployment. Lower oil prices and rising wages are expected to boost consumer spending.

What are some of the challenges faced by retailers as they look forward into 2019?

• Slowing earnings growth and higher interest rates

• Rising oil prices

• Decreasing unemployment rates

• Increasing consumer confidence

How are retailers preparing for the uncertainties of the next year?

• By diversifying their sourcing and managing costs

• By closing down stores

• By increasing their advertising budgets

• By reducing their workforce

What is the significance of Black Friday and Cyber Monday for retailers?

• They are minor sales events with little impact

• They are only significant for Amazon

• They are crucial sales events with record-breaking sales figures

• They are only important for online retailers

What is one advantage of online shopping for consumers?

• Limited product selection

• Ease of comparison shopping

• Higher fulfillment costs

• Longer delivery times

How do lower oil prices and rising wages affect consumer spending?

• They have no impact on consumer spending

• They decrease consumer spending

• They lead to higher unemployment

• They increase consumer spending