The National Retail Federation forecasts a 3.7% to 4.2% rise in retail industry sales in 2017, excluding autos, gas and restaurants, the organization said Wednesday. E-commerce and other non-store sales, which is included in that percentage, will increase 8% to 12%. “[T]his year is unlike any other – while consumers have strength they haven’t had in the past, they will remain hesitant to spend until they have more certainty about policy changes on taxes, trade and other big issues being debated in Congress,” said NRF Chief Executive Matthew Shay in a statement. “Lawmakers should take note and stand firm against any policies, rules or regulations that would increase the cost of everyday goods for American consumers.” The SPDR S&P Retail ETF is up 1.8% for the past three months, and up 9.8% for the past year.
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