US DATA: 07-Jan wk Redbook: “Sales momentum carried into early
January as gift cards continued to drive sales for the week. Department
stores noted that consumers were motivated by price. Some discounters
reported that consumption had reverted to more normal patterns, with a
focus on basic commodities and food. January clearance sales got under
way as discounted winter goods thinned out to make room for full priced
spring merchandise. Clearance will be continue to the key theme in
January, with most retailers planning to flow in new spring merchandise
from about the middle of the month. Meanwhile, stores are also stocking
up for Valentine’s Day merchandise.”
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Year-over-year: Week (w/e 01/07/12 vs year-ago) 3.3%
Year-over-year: Month (January 2012 vs January 2011) 3.3%
Month-over-month: (January 2012 vs December 2011) -1.2%