$27 Billion
Retail sales by the nation’s department stores in December 2011, a 45 percent increase from the previous month. Also posting big leaps in sales in December 2011 compared with November were bookstores (76 percent); clothing stores (38 percent); jewelry stores (129 percent); radio, TV and other electronics stores (40 percent); and sporting goods stores (55 percent).

22%
The growth in inventories by U.S. department stores from Aug. 31 to Nov. 30, 2011.

$1.03 Billion
The value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree ornaments from China, the top country of origin for such items, between January and September 2012.

73
The number of enterprises around the United States that primarily manufactured dolls and stuffed toys in 2010.

$1.38 Billion
The value of shipments of candles in 2011 by manufacturers in the United States. Many of these candles are lit during Hanukkah and Kwanzaa celebrations.

Over 315 Million
The nation’s projected population when we ring in the New Year.