The National Retail Federation expects Holiday retail sales to grow at a 4.3% to 4.8% rate from last year, lapping the 5.3% increase for Holiday 2017 which was the highest growth rate since 2005. Total retail sales excluding automobiles, gasoline and restaurants in Nov. and Dec. last year were $687.87 billion, and this year is forecast to come in between $717.45 billion to $720.89 billion. The trade group credited a healthy economy and solid consumer confidence, which it expects to continue through the end of the year despite the looming threat of tariff-induced price hikes. Last year’s growth was also ... Log in to view full article.