US shopping centers expect slight increases in sales | Key4Communications | News

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) expects moderate gains in US holiday sales, which are expected to increase by 2.2% in November and December 2011, compared to the same months of last year. The increase was of 5% in 2010, following two years of declines.

According to a research done by the association, although the worst part of the recession could be over, sales will show a slower advance "as strong economic headwinds continue to persist". Also, sales in the first half of 2011 advanced at a faster pace, as economic perspectives were better at the beginning of the year, and the "economic and political risks are expected to be higher during the upcoming season than during 2010."