Retailers expect strong increase in 2012 sales
As economic conditions continue to improve and shoppers make their way back into stores, retailers across the country are beginning to show signs of optimism. While there are still some concerns about what can happen in the near future, executives of large retail brands are expressing their confidence in the industry and the purchasing habits of consumers.
The Herald Online reports that recent research from accounting firm BDO USA revealed that retail chief financial officers are expecting to see at least a 4.5 percent rise in 2012 sales from last year's amounts. This number could be more than what is hoped for, as the total amount of 2011 sales exceeded expectations by increasing 7.3 percent from the year before.
The study also found that retail CFOs are becoming increasingly confident, reports the news source. Many companies expect slow growth throughout the next few months, but 32 percent of retailers are anticipating an economic turnaround, which is nearly triple the 11 percent that said the same thing in 2011.
These positive expectations could be due to the high amount of sales that retailers saw in August. InvestorPlace states that a report released by the International Council of Shopping Centers found that retail chain store sales increased by 6 percent throughout the month.
