Watch CBS News

Fla. Retailers Expecting Bountiful Holiday Shopping Season

TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — Shoppers in the state of Florida are ready to shop 'til they drop and that's good news for Florida's storekeepers who are expecting a bountiful holiday shopping season.

The Florida Retail Federation on Thursday predicted a 5.2 percent increase in sales for November and December compared to the same period last year.

That translates to $58 billion in consumer spending, or a $3 billion increase over the two-month holiday season in 2011. Retailers also expect to hire 42,000 holiday season workers.

The federation basis its prediction in part on U.S. Department of Commerce figures that show the American economy is growing faster than had been expected.

They also note Internet and other electronic sales are at an all-time high and there's a pent-up demand for discretionary items and self-gifts.

An early Thanksgiving this year also means two extra shopping days compared to last year.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.