There have been many conflicting reports about the state of U.S. retailing. Some experts are rather pessimistic, while others are more optimistic.

Count Mr. Steven Keith Platt, Director and Research Fellow at the Platt Retail Institute, among the latter:

“The U.S. consumer is alive and well. They are responding to pent up demand for new cars and fixing up their homes, as well as continuing to improve their balance sheets. These expenditures are taking precedence over purchases at general merchandise stores. This is a short-term trend that will soon reverse itself as consumers revert to spending on other discretionary items.”

Click the image to read read Platt’s thoughtful, data-packed article on “What Store Traffic Is Not Telling You About the Health of the U.S. Consumer.”