·       The average holiday shopper will spend$722, down 7% from last year’s $773, and 42% of shoppers plan to spend lessthan $500. (Myvesta.org)

·       The average household holiday budget willrise 5% to $1,656. (American Express)

·       Consumer GAF (general merchandise,apparel and home furnishings) spending will rise 3-4% in Nov.-Dec. timeframeversus 5.6% in comparable 2001 period. (Deloitte & Touche)

·       Core holiday sales will grow 3.0-3.5% inQ4 versus 4.4% in 2001, 4.3% in 2000 and 8.6% in 1999. (Retail Forward)

·       Q4 e-commerce sales will approach $13billion or 16% higher than the $11.2 billion recorded by the U.S. Dept. ofCommerce last year. (Retail Forward)

·       Consumers singled out theclothing/apparel, housing and home ... Log in to view full article.