Report: ‘modest’ boost in holiday shopping

Deloitte is forecasting a “modest” increase in this year’s retail holiday sales of between 3.5 percent and 4 percent, after a 5.9 percent increase for the 2011 season.

New York City-based Deloitte is among Fairfield County’s larger employers, with more than 1,300 people at offices in Stamford and Wilton.

Deloitte expects holiday sales to hit between $920 billion and $925 billion. Web and catalog sales will account for 15 percent to 17 percent of total revenue, Deloitte stated, and smartphones will influence decisions on a nickel of every dollar spent this holiday season.

“Retailers that welcome the smartphone shopper in their stores with mobile applications and wi-fi access ”“ rather than fear the ‘showrooming’ effect ”“ can be better positioned to accelerate their in-store sales this holiday season,” said Alison Paul, Deloitte vice chairman and retail and distribution sector leader in its Chicago office. “Shoppers armed with smartphones are 14 percent more likely to make a purchase in the store than those who do not.”