Mass. Retailers See 'Strong' 3.5 Percent Increase In Holiday Sales

Massachusetts retailers are predicting a fourth consecutive year of increased holiday season sales.

The Retailers Association of Massachusetts, citing a survey of its 3,500 members, on Thursday morning predicted a 3.5 percent increase in sales compared to the 2012 holiday season. The National Retail Federation has projected a 3.9 percent increase in sales nationwide.

Massachusetts holiday sales rose 2.8 percent in 2012, compared to the holiday shopping period in 2011.

Retailers are in the throes of continuing debates on Beacon Hill over the affordability of health insurance for small businesses and plans to raise the minimum wage from $8 to $11 an hour.