NRF: 2015 Sales to Rise 4.1 Percent

The National Retail Federation (Washington, D.C.) released its 2015 Economic Forecast last week, projecting a retail industry sales increase of 4.1 percent, up from the 3.5 percent growth seen in 2014. The figures exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants. If realized, the 4.1 percent increase would mark the biggest annual growth since 2011 when retail sales for the year grew by 5.1 percent.

“Already facing far fewer obstacles than this time last year in terms of growth opportunities, retailers are optimistic about the potential that exists for healthy growth in retail sales and consumer engagement in 2015,” NRF president and ceo, Matthew Shay, said in the statement.

“The economy appears to finally have gained some real traction and after a somewhat turbulent 2014, we expect to see continued gains in economic activity in the year ahead,” said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. Though he cautioned, “We still, however, have a ways to go in order to achieve sustainable economic growth. There are a few wild cards that the retailers will need to keep an eye on, like global economic growth, energy prices and even inflation.”