Holiday retail sales predicted to dip

With Halloween still around the corner, some of the retail industry is already turning to the Christmas and holiday season, hoping for a better one.

"We expect it to be a good holiday season," said John Burgland, the Mall Manager of the Fox River Mall in Grand Chute. "We know it's not going to be stellar but we think it's going to be good."

It may take money to make money. Burgland says they plan to up advertising this year, hoping for increased business. He also says, he thinks retailers learned lessons from a down holiday season last year and have planned inventory accordingly.

"I think merchants will do a little better because of their advanced planning and promotions they will have," he said. "Overall, I think they will have a better season because better prepared for it."

The National Retail Federation is predicting about $437 billion in holiday spending this year. That would be down one percent from last year, but not as drastic as the 3.4 percent drop from 2007-2008.

However, it would be well below the 10 year average of a 3.4 percent increase.

Bay Area Diamond Co. in Green Bay will be going to be going through its second holiday season. However, owner, Brian Rouse, has been in the jewelry business for 17 years. He says the industry now tends to focus more on season-round business like engagement rings, instead of a large winter quarter. Although Rouse says he is expecting a better holiday season.

"I think a lot of people are pent up," said Rouse. "They've been withholding and waiting on the sky to fall and it hasn't happened so we're expecting a fantastic Christmas."

Whether it will be a second consecutive down year, or a stuffed retail stocking remains to be seen.