Early holiday excitement could be dampened if shutdown lingers

Before the partial government shutdown began Oct. 1, retail trade groups were predicting a holiday sales season slightly more robust than in years past.
 
The National Retail Federation’s early forecast indicates a 3.9 percent increase in holiday sales, to more than $602 billion, up from the 10-year average growth of 3.3 percent, according to the Washington Post.
 
What could put the humbug in the country’s holiday cheer is the contentious government shutdown. According to the NRF, overall optimism for an improving economy, consumers’ outlook, and subsequent spending could be soured by a prolonged shutdown.

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