Hurricane Irma is turning out to be the Grinch who stole Christmas. Scott Shalley at the Florida Retail Federation says families are cutting back on holiday shopping because money that would have been used for gifts is being used to fix storm damage.
However, Shalley says the Federation is forecasting an increase of three to three-and-a-half percent in holiday spending in Florida. That's because hurricane losses are being offset by high consumer confidence, low unemployment, a booming housing market, and record-setting tourism.