Retailers expect an increase in holiday sales

(CNN) - Better economic signs mean retailers have high hopes for the holiday season.

"Overall, consumers are feeling a little bit better and that could very well translate into dollars for retailers," National Retail Federation Spokesperson, Kathy Grannis, said.

With about 11 weeks to go until Christmas, the NFR forecasts a 4.1 percent increase in holiday sales over last year, to just under $617 billion overall.

That economic optimism is echoed by some consumers.

"Things have been a bit better, I think," a consumer said. "I'm not as worried about what's happening you know as far as job security like I have in the past years."

The nation's unemployment rate is at its lowest since 2008. And the season lacks major economic unknowns of previous years. The 2012 holiday shopping season was clouded by Congress' fight over the fiscal cliff. In 2013, October's 16-day government shutdown left lingering effects.

But the recession and recovery have taught Americans to tighten those holiday budgets.

"It's clear that consumers want to be cautious," Vanessa Perry of George Washington University School of Business said. "It's clear that, for the past few years, with what we've seen with the economy, people sort of rethink the role of holiday spending."

"It's not so much about spending mass amounts of money as much as finding quality pieces," a consumer said.

Retailers are well aware, and bargains will still be key.

"Everything from web promotions, to in-store promotions and, of course, even mobile promotions, will be big," Grannis said.

The forecast also anticipates an 8 to eleven percent increase in online sales, as consumers further expand shopping options beyond the mall.