US DATA: Redbook sales for Oct 22 wk: “Sales pulled back slightly
following Columbus Day sales from the prior week. Activity at discount
stores was focused on consumer staples, such as food, pharmaceuticals
and household goods. Sales of Halloween items are on plan. Adult
costumes also sold well. Many stores started to cut prices on Halloween
related merchandise earlier than usual in order to lure shoppers to
other higher margin products. The strength in Halloween related
merchandise sales is coming as we get closer to the end of the month.”
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Year-over-year: Week (w/e 10/22/11 vs year-ago) 4.1%
Year-over-year: Month (October 2011 vs October 2010) 4.5%
Month-over-month: (October 2011 vs September 2011) -0.8%