WASHINGTON (MNI) – The following is the text of the weekly retail
sales report released by Johnson Redbook Tuesday, for the month-to-date
through the week-ended November 27:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 4.9% in the fourth
and final week of November following a 2.5% gain in the prior week.
Month-to-date, November was up 3.2% compared to November of last year
(relative to a targeted 2.9% gain). Month-over-month showed a 0.6% gain
compared to October (relative to a target of a 0.3% gain).
Most stores were quite pleased with their post-Thanksgiving sales.
The holiday shopping season had gotten off to a strong start with brisk
traffic and cooperative shopping weather. Retailers reported strong
turnover in electronics. The cold weather also drove sales of outerwear,
gloves, boots and cashmere sweaters. Luxury chains have seen big sales
improvement over last year. Some retailers said that Hanukkah falls on
the 1st of December compared to the 11th of December of last year which
may result in more holiday related shopping during the week. Meanwhile,
December same-store gains were projected to be 3.2% year-over-year and a
flat reading versus November, although this target will be finalized in
next week’s report. Retailers officially report November sales on
Thursday and we plan as usual to release our Johnson Redbook Same-store
Sales Index that morning.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
