Retail CEOs optimistic about fall, holiday sales

"Chief executives at retail companies say business conditions are the strongest they've seen in 12 months, and many are upbeat about the fall and holiday shopping season, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation."

[...]

"The survey, which was conducted from Aug. 15-25 in conjunction with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd., found that 40 percent of respondents felt that August sales have been even brisker than they were in July, when many chains posted surprising gains in the wake of new federal tax cuts."

And there are some who still think that tax cuts do not spur on the economy?

"Despite the positive signs, retailers also appear to be approaching the season conservatively from an operational standpoint. A third of respondents are entering the fall with fewer employees, and none said they were beefing up their ranks."

That's definitely not true at one retailer I know.