US DATA: Redbook sales for Jul 23 wk: “Retailers are continuing to
focus on clearing summer goods and bringing in back-to-school
merchandise. Sales of big-ticket items including air conditioners and
fans were brisk for stores that feature this type of merchandise.
Back-to-school items have been arriving in stores in recent weeks.
Back-to-school activity appears to be on target so far, although its
impact will be easier to assess next month. Others reported that
sluggish business and unmotivated consumers suggested little more than
the usual mid-July doldrums. Retailers hope that by mid-August sixteen
states participating in tax-free holidays, along with back-to-school
demand, will motivate consumers to jumpstart spending more, including
those items which are not exempt from sales tax.”
–
Year-over-year: Week (w/e 07/23/11 vs year-ago) 3.5%
Year-over-year: Month (July 2011 vs July 2010) 4.2%
Month-over-month: (July 2011 vs June 2011) -0.6%