HOLIDAY '04 WRAP-UP: CONSUMERS DARE TO BE CAUTIOUS.(Retail business)

Daily News Record, January, 2005

Byline: Jean E. Palmieri, Brenda Lloyd, Julie Vargo, Adam Tschorn, Deb Pahl

DNR MARKET REPORT -- Holiday 2004 ended up just like it started -- somewhat short of expectations.

Retailers in the luxury category had the easiest time making or exceeding plan, while moderate-price merchants turned to aggressive promotions to spur sales.

The final tally won't be known until Thursday, when December sales are reported, but most stores expected to post modest single-digit gains for the season. For example, Target is anticipating a 3 to 5 percent comparable-store gain for the ...