US DATA: Wk 1-Dec Redbook: “The first week fell short of plan. Retailers
described the week as a lull that began the weekend after a hectic, for some,
post Thanksgiving surge, but noted that the pause was typical of the first week
of December and would likely be followed by an equally predictable steady
buildup towards Hanukkah and Christmas. Retailers said the Hanukkah celebration
falls on the 8th of December, ten days earlier this year than last year, on the
retail calendar, which will provide some holiday related shopping momentum.
December is a lopsided month, with a disproportionate volume of sales delivered
in the week before Christmas. This pattern has intensified as customers have
continued to shop at the last minute.”
Year-over-year: Week (w/e 12/01/12 vs year-ago) 2.1%
Year-over-year: Month (December 2012 vs December 2011) 2.1%
Month-over-month: (December 2012 vs November 2012) -0.3%