Holiday sales projected to rise 4.1%

The National Retail Federation is forecasting a green Christmas for America's retailers, with sales soaring 4.1 percent to $616.9 billion, a full percentage point higher than last year's actual increase of 3.1 percent.

The Plain Dealer reports the mood among retailers is optomistic with only 11 Saturdays left until Christmas.

"A lot of folks are anticipating a very good holiday season in terms of sales, and there's a general sense that many of these companies are going to do well," said Matthew Shay, NRF president and chief executive, in a conference call with journalists on Tuesday.

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