Retail Sales Expected to Decrease 0.5%

WASHINGTON—The National Retail Federation projected that in 2009, retail industry sales will decrease 0.5 percent from last year. This forecast excludes sales from automobiles, gas stations and restaurants. According to NRF’s quarterly Retail Sales Outlook report, the first half of the year will be weak with one-half of sales expected to decline 2.5 percent. In the third quarter, sales are expected to decrease 1.1 percent, but sales are expected to improve 3.6 percent in the fourth quarter. The increase in late 2009 is expected to be the result of a strengthening economy. The NRF is the largest retail trade association which represents an industry with more than 1.6 million U.S. retail establishments.