US DATA: Redbook sales for Dec 24 wk: “Retailers said much the
week’s business was done on the day of Christmas eve as shoppers flocked
to stores for last minute shopping. Meanwhile, with unseasonably warm
temperatures across much of the country, sales of winter apparel were
slow. Some retailers have selectively marked down outerwear and other
winter items, often in addition to preplanned promotional discounts, and
profit margins are expected to be under pressure due to this highly
promotional environment. Food was a big seller for discount stores.”
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Year-over-year: Week (w/e 12/24/11 vs year-ago) 4.3%
Year-over-year: Month (December 2011 vs December 2010) 3.5%
Month-over-month: (December 2011 vs November 2011) -2.4%