Retailers brace for a tough holiday season

CNN Money ^ | Monday, Veteran's Day, November 11, 2013 | Hibah Yousuf

[SunkenCiv]

Sales growth during the fourth quarter is shaping up to be the weakest since 2008, according to predictions from Morgan Stanley.

Same-store sales, a key metric that measures sales at store locations open at least a year, are expected to grow a mere 1.6% from a year ago during the fourth quarter, Morgan Stanley estimates. Last year's holiday sales were up 3.5% from the fourth quarter of 2011.

The 1.6% figure excludes sales at troubled J.C. Penney (JCP, Fortune 500). That's because J.C. Penney is expected to offer deep discounts to try and get back on track after a disastrous drop in sales last year. As a result, J.C. Penney may not have that tough a time beating last year's low bar. And its results could skew the overall sales figures for the industry.

Why will sales be sluggish this year? The culprit appears to be weak consumer confidence. While Americans have more to spend thanks to a rising stock market, higher home values and low gas prices, they're not so willing to part with their cash.

"Concerns over future income linger and the government shenanigans have dampened confidence on the cusp of holiday shopping," Morgan Stanley analysts said.

[Secret Agent Man]

craigslist seems to be the best so far. they have to have enough gumption to post in the first place. it’s been the best plae beating pawn shops and such b/c it’s too much of a crapshoot in the stores plus the sales taxes. when you private sell something you’ve already paid sales tax on you don’t charge it to the guy who buys it.