Holiday sales, going strong, may be best ever

NEW YORK - Even a winter storm that shut down stores along parts of the East Coast won't be enough to blow retailers off course from their best holiday sales in three years.

Retail analysts are calling the blizzard a nuisance that won't make a big dent in sales.

Spending has been surprisingly strong from the start.

Revenue for the holiday season is on track to grow at its strongest rate since 2006. Total spending for November and December could exceed 2007 sales the best season on record.

In another sign of strength, post-Christmas shoppers are doing more buying and less returning as they head back to stores to use gift cards and browse markdowns.

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