News & Press

Restaurant sales can be sign of the economic times

RALEIGH, N.C. — The tale of the tape is still being tallied for the 2011 holiday season, and with it the data on consumer sentiment about the economy.

Retailers cashed in with record Black Friday sales, then saw a few weeks of slump before last-minute shoppers again boosted store traffic.

For those with tight budgets, holiday shopping may force a choice to cut back in other areas.

“Right now sales are not up,” said Sarig Agasi, owner of Zely and Ritz restaurant in Raleigh. “I wish they were, but there’s too many unemployed.”

Read full story on wral.com.