"Consumers have shown they are excited about the holidays and are willing to spend on gifts that lift the spirits of family and friends after such a challenging year. We expect a strong finish to the holiday season, and will continue to work with municipal and state officials to keep retailers open and the economy moving forward at this critical time."

National Retail Federation president and chief executive Matthew Shay, commenting in a statement last week in which the NRF said it expects holiday sales this year to increase in a range of 3.6 to 5.2 percent.