February 27, 2009 With the onset of one of the most prolonged economic recessions in recent history, consumer spending, which had driven much of the country’s growth in recent years, has slowed dramatically in recent months. Retail sales are projected to decline nearly 3 percent in the first half of 2009. And economists say it will be difficult this year for consumer spending to keep pace with its past growth—spending comprised nearly 70 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product in recent years. After a decade of robust retail growth, Tracy Mullin is preparing the industry and her trade group for the rough year ahead. She came aboard as CEO in 1993 and organized the… Read More