Everything is good in retail land. Off a strong 2011 holiday selling season and expectations for more in 2012, the industry is feeling pretty good about itself. At least that was the consensus of attendees RetailWire spoke with at the National Retail Federation's (NRF) Big Show over the past couple of days.
An unscientific survey of 154 attendees found that 34 percent were much more optimistic about the industry's prospects for the coming year while 56 percent were somewhat more optimistic. Only three percent had negative responses, saying they were somewhat less optimistic.
Technology vendors, who make up the vast majority of exhibitors at the show, pointed to increased investments being made by retailers. A much higher number than we can recall in many years attending NRF predicted record years for their own companies.
While economic factors are still a concern, most believe that retail will remain vibrant and growing. NRF projects that retail industry sales will grow 3.4 percent in 2012. That's on top of the 4.7 percent increase retailers saw in 2011.
"Our 2012 forecast is a vote of confidence in the retail industry and our ability to succeed even in a challenging economy," said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in a press release.
