Florida Retail Foundation is Upbeat About Holiday Season

Florida's unemployment rate stands at 12 percent, but that won't be getting retailers down this holiday shopping season.

Florida Retail Federation CEO Rick McAllister pointed to increased consumer confidence and "frugality fatigue" among shoppers in giving an optimistic outlook for retailers' busiest season. U.S. retail sales are expected to increase 2.3 percent over last year, but McAllister predicts a 3 to 4 percent rise in Florida retail sales compared to last holiday season.

"Our members are experiencing some really great trends and we think our number is going to be about 4 percent," McAllister said.

He is also confident that unemployment will start to dwindle, and holiday hires, although they are seasonal, will help start that trend. McAllister said there will be a 40 percent increase in seasonal hires over last year, but it's unclear exactly how many of those jobs will translate into permanent positions.

Full story to follow.