Americans are shopping again but they want to find a bargain to bring them in the doors.
Top stores showed some gains in September for the first time in more than a year. That comes after retailers offered deep discounts and coupons just to get shoppers motivated.
The federal Cash for Clunkers program spoiled consumers wanting new cars. Ditto for those in the home market. A federal tax credit, low home prices and even lower mortgage rates are fueling the housing industry.
Consumers want the same treatment at the retail level. Coupons bring them in and deep discounts will make cash registers sing.
"Overall, it's going to be a slow recovery," one retail consultant told The Associated Press.
Sales rose just a 10th of a percent but that's encouraging since the last gain came in August 2008. Also, analysts predicted growth would be non-existent for the rest of the year. The National Retail Federation estimates holiday shoppers will spend $437.6 billion, just a little more than they spent four years ago.
Holiday shoppers will need some nudging to get them in the door this year. It's a difficult environment that will take some adjustment and creativity on the part of retailers.
Opinion
Shoppers coming back but they want bargains
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