The National Retail Federation said that 56% of consumers had already started Holiday shopping by Nov. 21, and 24% of purchases have already been made, based on a survey conducted the first week of November. The 24% number is the highest in the history of the survey, up from 16% in 2009, and 4% of consumers had completed all their shopping at the time of the survey. It estimates that average consumer spending during the two-month period will be $1,047.83, up 4% year-over-year, and the trend to begin shopping early will more than offset the compressed 26-day window between Thanksgiving ... Log in to view full article.