As was expected by many analysts, the fiscal cliff and the slow, but steady, economic improvement has had an impact on consumer confidence, and in turn has also affected retail sales throughout the country. Conditions are forecasted to improve in the coming months, but for now, the numbers coming in are less than were hoped for.

Fox Business reports that according to the latest research from Redbook Research, there was a 0.5 percent decrease in retail chain store sales throughout the first four weeks of January, when compared to the month of December. One of the main reasons for the slight decline was the winter weather, as many shoppers decided not to brave the cold and wet conditions to visit retail stores. However, there was some positive news with the study’s findings, as seasonally adjusted sales grew by 1.9 percent from the same time a year ago, the source notes.

Americans are less confident in the nation’s economy and their own financial conditions, as the recently released Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index shows a figure of 58.6 for January. This is a decrease from December’s index of 66.7, and the latest number is sure to have an impact on the retail industry.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Monday, February 4th, 2013 at 10:28 am .