VOA标准英语2011--Discounts Boost US Holiday Sales

Discounts Boost US Holiday Sales

American consumers may be feeling a little more upbeat about the economy. The nation's Consumer Confidence Index rose almost 10 points in December to 64.5, the highest level since April. The renewed optimism appears to be in line with this year's holiday shopping trends - with consumers giving retailers² something to smile about.

Deep discounts and extended holiday hours drew big crowds to shopping malls this year. And with Christmas falling on a Sunday, shoppers were back in number for what retailers called "Mega Monday".

Experienced shoppers say it's the best time of the year for bargain hunters. "Yeah, I usually shop the last or the day after Christmas because that's when I can get all the bargains and a lot of the things I get, I can save for next year," one woman said.

The National Retail¹ Federation³ projects a 3.8 percent increase in holiday sales -- up a full percentage point from its orginal forecast.

Retail analyst⁴ Lori Wachs says that amounts to a $469 billion shot in the arm for the U.S. economy.

"People are feeling good and out shopping and that should start to bode⁵ well for things to come," Wachs said.

Retail experts say shoppers can expect to see hefty discounts for the rest of the year as retailers clear their inventories⁶. The National Retail Federation's Mike Gatti says the week after Christmas typically accounts for about 10 percent of holiday sales.

"That's always a great time for shoppers to get out and get terrific bargains as well," Gatti said.

But the week after Christmas is also prime time for merchandise returns, an estimated $47 billion this year.

Consumers can also expect longer lines at some stores as customers redeem⁷ millions of dollars in gift cards.

Those wishing to avoid big crowds are increasingly turning to the Internet. Retailers say online sales are up more than 16 percent with a growing number of shoppers making purchases this year using their smartphones.

1 retail   

v./n.零售；adv.以零售价格

参考例句：

• In this shop they retail tobacco and sweets.这家铺子零售香烟和糖果。
• These shoes retail at 10 yuan a pair.这些鞋子零卖10元一双。

2 retailers   

零售商，零售店( retailer的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• High street retailers reported a marked increase in sales before Christmas. 商业街的零售商报告说圣诞节前销售量显著提高。
• Retailers have a statutory duty to provide goods suitable for their purpose. 零售商有为他们提供符合要求的货品的法定义务。

3 federation   

n.同盟，联邦，联合，联盟，联合会

参考例句：

• It is a federation of 10 regional unions.它是由十个地方工会结合成的联合会。
• Mr.Putin was inaugurated as the President of the Russian Federation.普京正式就任俄罗斯联邦总统。

4 analyst   

n.分析家，化验员；心理分析学家

参考例句：

• What can you contribute to the position of a market analyst?你有什么技能可有助于市场分析员的职务？
• The analyst is required to interpolate values between standards.分析人员需要在这些标准中插入一些值。

5 bode   

v.预示

参考例句：

• These figures do not bode well for the company's future.这些数字显示出公司的前景不妙。
• His careful habits bode well for his future.他那认真的习惯预示著他会有好的前途。

6 inventories   

n.总结( inventory的名词复数 )；细账；存货清单（或财产目录）的编制

参考例句：

• In other cases, such as inventories, inputs and outputs are both continuous. 在另一些情况下，比如存货，其投入和产出都是持续不断的。
• The store must clear its winter inventories by April 1st. 该店必须在4月1日前售清冬季存货。

7 redeem   

v.买回，赎回，挽回，恢复，履行（诺言等）

参考例句：

• He had no way to redeem his furniture out of pawn.他无法赎回典当的家具。
• The eyes redeem the face from ugliness.这双眼睛弥补了他其貌不扬之缺陷。