NEW YORK (AP) — Black Friday once again kicks off the start of the holiday shopping season. But with six fewer days, it will be the shortest season since 2013 because Thanksgiving fell on the fourth Thursday in November — the latest possible date.
That means customers will have less time to shop and retailers will have less time to woo them.
The National Retail Federation baked the shorter season into its forecast, but it says the real drivers will be the job market. It forecasts that holiday sales will rise between 3.8% and 4.2%, an increase from the disappointing 2.1% growth seen in the November and December 2018 period.
Black Friday is expected to once again be the largest shopping day of the season, followed by the last Saturday before Christmas.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Two arrested after Doniphan Co traffic stop
Seven arrested in Atchison drug investigation
Atchison man sentenced on child sex charge
Updated: Mayetta woman now accused of attempted murder
Nortonville teen caught speeding more than 100 mph
Atchison man facing drug-related charges in Jackson Co
Atchison woman sentenced on charges in fatal crash
One killed, 3 injured in NW MO crash
Longtime Sabetha Fire Chief recognized for service
Mayetta woman facing firearms, drug-related charges
Atchison man accused of threatening woman with knife
Extension district proposal fails to gain approval
Atchison Co: Motorists reminded to use only hwy detours
Child abuse arrest made in Pawnee County
Brown Co Appraiser re-appointed
St. Joseph Mo man injured after boat explodes
Brownville under consideration for small modular nuclear reactor
HCH CEO advocates for rural Medicare protections in D.C.
LATEST STORIES
Text scams involving KDOT continue
Mid-week wreck injures three in Atchison Co
Mill Creek bridge in Holt County MO reopens
Atchison man accused of threatening woman with knife
Nortonville teen caught speeding more than 100 mph
Culvert replacement project discussed at county meeting
Extension district proposal fails to gain approval