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 October 9:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 2.5% in the first
week of October. Month-to-date, October was up 2.5% compared to October
of last year (relative to a target of a 2.7% gain). Month-over-month
showed a 0.2% gain compared to September (relative to a revised target
of a 0.4% gain). October is a four-week month on the retail calendar,
ending on October 30th.
The week started slowly with below average customer counts, but
improved towards the Columbus Day weekend as temperatures fell to more
fall like levels in many parts of the country. The main merchandise
themes in October included mid-fall seasonal apparel, Halloween, winter
sports and early holiday merchandise. Halloween sales were generally on
track as stores displayed the merchandise sooner than usual. It is,
however, still early in the selling season. October is the final month
of the third quarter for most retailers and an important period for
retailers to meet quarterly sales and earning targets.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
