Target expects weak holiday sales

(CNN)– Target is expecting a surprisingly weak holiday shopping season.

The company forecast Wednesday sales during the final quarter of the year will be flat.

It also lowered its profit forecast and reported a sluggish sales increase of just three-tenths of a percent during its latest quarter.

Target is a Bellwether for consumer spending habits and the retail sector as a whole. The holiday shopping season is crucial for retailers.

Target can survive a weal holiday season, but many smaller companies depend on strong sales during the holidays.