$1.03 billion: Value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree ornaments from China between January and September 2012.
$9.6 billion: Value of toy imports from China during that period.
$227 million: Value of athletic shoe imports from China.
$31.8 million: Value of imports of roller skates.
$1.38 billion: Value of candles shipped by U.S. manufacturers in 2011.
73: Manufacturers of dolls and stuffed toys in the United States in 2010.
525: Manufacturers of games, toys and children’s vehicles.
625,000: Highest estimate of the number of people retailers are expected to hire this year during the holiday season.
4.1 percent: Estimated increase over 2011 in 2012 holiday sales by retailers.
$586.1 billion: Estimated holiday sales in the United States.
1: Town in Indiana (and one in Georgia) named Santa Claus.
1. Rudolph in Wisconsin.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau; National Retail Federation c.r.roberts@thenewstribune.com


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