US DATA: Redbook for Jan 14: “Sales cooled off in the second week
as consumer appetite for clearance bargains became partially satiated
and year-end clearance dominated sales activity. Department stores are
typically volatile in January as they work thorough the annual clear out
of winter inventory and drive sales through pricing. Discount stores, on
the other hand, returned to a more normal environment with business in
consumer basics and food. Sales leader lists varied widely from store to
store, fairly typical of a transitional, trend-less month. Some stores
have reported increased business in cold weather apparel.”
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Year-over-year: Week (w/e 01/14/12 vs year-ago) 2.8%
Year-over-year: Month (January 2012 vs January 2011) 3.1%
Month-over-month: (January 2012 vs December 2011) -1.4%