Mass. Retailers Forecast 'Solid' Holiday Season Sales

Massachusetts retailers are predicting a 3% gain in sales during the upcoming holiday period.

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts released its forecast Thursday, calling 3% a "solid" rate of growth while also noting that Thanksgiving falls late this year, on Nov. 28, essentially shortening the unofficial sales season.

“Economic growth, low unemployment, rising wages, and continued low inflation have a lot to do with that consumer confidence," association president Jon Hurst said in a statement. "Consumer debt levels remain low, and trade concerns have not yet resulted into widespread cost increases or purchasing reductions. Consumers represent 70% of our economy, and more than any other factor they have kept our overall economic growth on track for another positive year."

The retailers group said holiday season sales last year rose 4%.