VOA标准英语2011--Discounts Boost US Holiday Sales
时间：2019-01-13 作者：英语课 分类：VOA标准英语2011年(十二月)
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 retailers 2 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 Retail 1 Federation 3 projects a 3.8 percent increase in holiday sales -- up a full percentage point from its orginal forecast.
Retail analyst 4 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 bode 5 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 inventories 6. 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 redeem 7 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.
- 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。
- 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。
- 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。
- 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。
- 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。
- 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。