![](https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/1479/files/2019/03/5c7f0df7023d162943261142jpeg.jpg)
Holiday season defines winners and losers in retail
NEW YORK — The 2018 holiday season turned out to be a mixed bag for retailers, with some of them defying a gloomy government report in December that raised concerns that shoppers were hunkering down everywhere.
Retailers like Walmart, Target and Best Buy that have been responding faster to a more competitive landscape with expanded delivery services and spruced up stores are enjoying strong sales. Off-price chains like T.J. Maxx parent that offer treasure hunt experiences have remained a sweet spot.
But mall-based clothing chains and department stores — particularly those that target the middle-income shoppers — continue to muddle along. Macy’s had weak holiday sales, ending a year-long recovery after a three-year slump. J.C. Penney and Gap are both closing more stores after lacklustre holiday sales.