GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) -- The director of the University of North Dakota's Bureau of Business and Economic Research predicts flat holiday sales this year despite strengths in the state economy.
Economist David Flynn said the numbers could be influenced by how hard retailers go after customers with sales and price-cutting moves.
Flynn said flat sales aren't necessarily negative, given the fact that the recession is just ending. He said it's better than losing ground.
He also said his economic models suggest North Dakota will be primed for a strong second-half growth spurt next year.
