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 22:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 4.1% in the third
week of October following a 4.6% gain the prior week. Month-to-date,
October was up 4.5% compared to October of last year (relative to a
target of a 4.6% gain). Month-over-month showed a 0.8% drop compared to
September (relative to a target of a 0.7% drop). October is a four-week
month on the retail calendar ending October 29th.
Sales pulled back slightly following Columbus Day sales from the
prior week. Activity at discount stores was focused on consumer staples,
such as food, pharmaceuticals and household goods. Sales of Halloween
items are on plan. Adult costumes also sold well. Many stores started to
cut prices on Halloween related merchandise earlier than usual in order
to lure shoppers to other higher margin products. The strength in
Halloween related merchandise sales is coming as we get closer to the
end of the month. As noted before, with Halloween being one day later
this year versus last year, a timing shift could push some Halloween
business out of October and into November.
** Market News International Washington Bureau (202) 371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]