With the resurgence in consumer spending, 90.7 economic analyst Hank Fishkind predicts continued growth to boost the overall health of the economy.
Hank’s Highlights:
- Retail sales at the national level finally rebounded with a 1.3% gain, alleviating fears about the pace of economic recovery. Prices for retail goods are going down due to competition from e-commerce. The result: People are able to buy more with their dollars.
- Retail sales at the state level are slowing because consumers are buying services more than they are buying goods.
- The growth of Orlando's booming tourism industry is slowing. "We can't expect extraordinary growth every single year," says Fishkind. A multi-billion dollar investment boom in the industry sparked more tourist visits last year. The industry continues to grow, but not at a slower pace.
- Volusia County is seeing growth in retail sales due to a surge in retirees spending their dollars in the area. It continues to rebound after the closing of the space shuttle program.