Overall U.S. retail sales grew 5.1% in the 2018 Holiday season to more than $850 billion, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse, driven by an 18.3% jump in online spending. The tally handily exceeded the NRF’s forecast of 4.1% growth. The increase was the strongest in the last six years, bolstered by soaring consumer confidence and backstopped by retailers who had stocked up in anticipation of tariffs. Apparel sales were up 7.9% from 2017, helped by seasonal weather and continuing the momentum from a solid Back-to-School season. The beleaguered department store sector was down 1.3%, but department stores’ online sales were a ... Log in to view full article.