Retailers' reports on Thanksgiving weekend sales were mixed.  Friday was generally strong.  ShopperTrak reported that Friday sales were up 10.8% over last years', according to Reuters; and Visa reported that its charges were up 15.5% over the same day last year.  But Wal-Mart reported Saturday that its same store sales for the week were only up .7%, vs. a 2-4% forecast, due to fewer discounts and high energy costs. 

 

By later in the weekend, some sources were reporting an over-all flattening after a strong start to the weekend.  In an AP story, the chief economist for the International Council of Shopping Centers called Saturday 'weak and disappointing,' after a strong Friday.  In general, most forecasters are calling for low single digit growth in sales this year.  The only area with uniformly strong growth forecasts is online sales, which is expected to increase around 30% this year vs. 2004.