Local Stores Get Profitable Holiday
By Amanda Jepsen | January 14Despite a dismal holiday season for many retailers nationwide, many stores in the Triangle reported returns above the national average returns for the holiday season. The nation's retailers released Jan. 9 weaker-than-expected December sales figures. Usually strong retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Target Corp. showed the effects of an uncertain economic environment and a shorter holiday season. Same-store sales for the combined November and December period rose only 0.5 percent, in comparison with a 2.2 percent increase for the 2001 holiday season.