<p></p><p>Both the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Retail Federation reported that holiday sales increased year-over-year, but analysts and consultants remain wary of calling the season a success. The numbers appear promising: Retail and food service sales for December increased by 5.8% to nearly $530 billion over the same period a year earlier, according to...</p><p>

Both the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Retail Federation reported that holiday sales increased year-over-year, but analysts and consultants remain wary of calling the season a success. The numbers appear promising: Retail and food service sales for December increased by 5.8% to nearly $530 billion over the same period a year earlier, according to…