Retailers gain, customers hold back

CHICAGO (AP) — A fleet of the nation’s biggest merchants reported mostly better fourth-quarter profits Tuesday.

The improvements at Target, Sears and Macy’s are mostly a result of stocking holiday shelves cautiously and managing markdowns.

But the rosier results mask a tough reality. To keep up that momentum retailers need shoppers to spend more.

Merchants may have to keep waiting if Tuesday’s surprisingly steep drop in consumer confidence figures offers any insight.

That likely means that shoppers will remain cautious until the nation’s economy and job outlook is rosier.

While they wait, retailers are trying everything they can to make their stores and their products more inviting and appealing to customers.

Tags: us business, business, retailers, consumers, economy, profit