The National Retail Federation of the United States (National Retail Federation, NRF) released a forecast for 2015, which indicates an expected increase in retail sales of 4.1% compared to a 3.5% growth in 2014 (excluding cars, gas stations and restaurants). Growth in the current year will be the largest since 2011, when this figure was 5.1%.
Also in NRF expect growth of off-store trade by 7-10% in 2015.
"Although we expect an optimistic development of the situation in the retail sector this year, we have not yet fully overcome all the difficulties.For further development, we need that our leaders in Washington adopt laws to encourage investment, create jobs and provide opportunities for sustainable long-term economic development "said Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer of NRF.
"It seems that the economy has finally managed to regain its lost positions, and after a few volatile indicators in 2014, we expect growth in economic activity this year," added Jack Kleinhenz, chief economist at NRF.
But even despite the good start of 2015 and positive expectations, NRF is still looking with caution at the prospects for this year. The organization added that retailers should closely monitor global economic trends, energy prices and inflation.