Retail Federation Predicts 4% Rise in Sales

Washington, DC, Feb. 17, 2011 -- The National Retail Federation says it expects retail sales to rise 4% this year, the biggest increase since 2006.

The NRF expects retail sales to reach $2.47 trillion in 2011, up from $2.37 trillion in 2010, excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants.

That increase would be higher than the past decade's average annual growth rate of 3.1% and 2010's increase of 3.7%.

"Consumers will continue to be thoughtful about what they're spending, but they're certainly feeling better," said Jack Kleinhenz, NRF's chief economist.