Consumers shopped less this holiday season, testing brand loyalty

Holiday retail sales took a hit this year, even at stores like Starbucks, Coach, and Target that enjoy strong customer loyalty. Expensive gas, dropping home prices, and an uncertain economy — or a society-wide trend toward reduced consumerism? Hey, we can dream.

Holiday retail sales took a hit this year, even at stores like Starbucks, Coach, and Target that enjoy strong customer loyalty. Expensive gas, dropping home prices, and an uncertain economy — or a society-wide trend toward reduced consumerism? Hey, we can dream.

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