SmallBusinessNewz

Heading into 2009 holiday season, a lot of people were scared about how the economy would perform; it looked like folks might exchange self-knitted scarves and clay ashtrays instead of expensive or even ordinary gifts.  However, now that it's past, the National Retail Federation has concluded that we made it out in decent shape.

According to an official statement, "[P]reliminary 2009 holiday sales, which combine the full months of November and December, rose 1.1 percent to $446.8 billion, surpassing NRF's projected decline of 1.0 percent."

That's a pretty good turnaround.  A great one, even.

It seems that thanks for the positive number go to the sellers of clothing and clothing accessories, as they experienced the biggest year-over-year sales gains.  Health and personal care stores did quite well, too, and so did retailers that specialize in sporting goods, hobbies, books, and music.

As for the low points - you knew there had to be a couple - home furnishings didn't exactly imitate hotcakes, and it's important to note that an increase in sales of 1.1 percent, while better than nothing, won't set any records and doesn't even indicate a return to normality.