NEW YORK – The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index rose 2.7% in the second week of October after posting a 2.5% increase the week before.
So far, October sales are running 2.6% ahead of last year.
“Both discount and department store formats reported brisk business in cool weather apparel,” the report said. “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 as we move closer to the end of the month. This year's Halloween falls on Sunday. Retailers are hoping that children and adults will have more time to party and trick or treat, thereby boosting sales. Meanwhile, big retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target already have jump-started price-cuts on toys ahead of the holiday season.”
