CNBCStrongest holiday sales since Great Recession, up 5.5%, topping industry's forecastCNBCHoliday sales during November and December jumped 5.5 percent compared to last year, according to the NRF. Total sales rang in at $691.9 billion. The strongest performers were retailers who sold building materials, furniture and electronics. Lauren ...Holiday Gift for Retailers; Sales up a Solid 0.4 PercentU.S.