Economist Predicts “OK” Holiday Shopping Season in 2013

Creighton University Economics Professor Ernie Goss says the recent decline in gas prices should help boost holiday spending this year.

Goss says  a dip in prices at the pump, and the psychological boost it provides, should contribute to about a 3 or 4 percent increase in spending  for Christmas compared to last year.

Goss says overall he expects an "OK, but not great" season for merchants this year. He says a growth rate of about 6 percent compared to last year would comprise a very strong shopping season, adding he doesn't expect that in 2013..