The media's response to recent retail sales numbers showing month-to-month declines has been to bemoan our faltering economy. But when you compare sales today to a year ago, things don't look grim at all. In some cases, in fact, they look downright fantastic.
GSI Commerce, which operates websites for big retailers such as Toys R Us and Bath and Body Works, is now selling itself. Web marketplace eBay says its buying GSI for a cool $2.4 billion.
As shoppers head to back-to-school sales early this year, the retail industry is watching their behavior closely for hints about the coming holiday season. So far, the signals appear mixed, with analysts disagreeing about whether revenue is up or down.
