Retailers across Massachusetts blamed distractions from the fiscal cliff standoff, fierce competition from online rivals, and mild weather for delivering a holiday season that fell short of expectations.
Sales at local merchants in November and December grew by a modest 2.76 percent compared with the previous year — below the 3.5 percent increase projected by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. Industry analysts had expected a bigger boost given relatively stable employment figures, growing consumer confidence, and an extra weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2012.
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This retail season was tough.