US DATA: Redbook for Oct 16 wk: “Both discount and department store
formats reported brisk business in cool weather apparel. At the
beginning of the week consumers took advantage of Columbus Day
promotions. Apparel sales had been stimulated by cool weather and
promotional pricing as stores sought to shift goods ahead of the holiday
season. Sales of costumes, candy, decorations and cards are starting to
build and the general strength in Halloween related merchandise sales is
improving.”
–
Year-over-year: Week (w/e 10/16/10 vs year-ago) 2.7%
Year-over-year: Month (October 2010 vs October 2009) 2.6%
Month-over-month: (October 2010 vs September 2010) 0.2%