US DATA: Redbook for Dec 7 wk: “Sales were mixed in the second week. Some
retailers saw business pick up, influenced by the beginning of Hanukah, which
began on December 8th, earlier than last year, pumping some holiday sales for
the week. Others said they had entered the expected “soft middle” of the holiday
season. Sales growth at discount stores continued to be strongest in basic
consumables, food, toys and electronics. Procrastinating consumers still have
more than two weeks to complete their holiday shopping. Meanwhile, online
shopping remained at a strong pace and increasingly popular gift cards have made
it easier for people to delay holiday shopping.”
Year-over-year: Week (w/e 12/07/12 vs year-ago) 2.2%
Year-over-year: Month (December 2012 vs December 2011) 2.2%
Month-over-month: (December 2012 vs November 2012) -0.2%
