Hi Arthur - Here is a copy of the Johnson Redbook Survey
Cents Update lp-llc.com
October 28, 1997
The Johnson Redbook lp-llc.com
The Redbook total-Store Average in the third week of October edged up
slightly to 7.5% from 7.4% the previous week. The second consecutive week
of stronger sales raised the month-to-date average to 6.7% from 6.3%, and
the month-to-month change for October versus September to 0.6% from 0.2%
Soft-line sales were again the key to the improved numbers, as they had been
the previous week. Retailers said demand for seasonal clothing continued
along with cooler weather, boosting both traffic and average sales tickets.
Apparel led volume growth in all sub-sectors of our sample, with some
reporting double-digit increases for the week, including retailers whose
business is predominantly in consumer durables or general merchandise.
However, with shoppers intent on replenishing wardrobes, hard lines suffered
and tempered overall results for certain retailers, especially discount stores.
Certain retailers also reported good business in Halloween-related sales.
This effect was varied, however, depending on merchandise mixes and the
importance individual retail managements attach to this line of business,
which appears to be on a secular uptrend. some sources warned also that
this year Halloween could take back what it gives, since it falls on Friday,
typically a major shopping day.
The week's results brought our retail sample in to line with its monthly
target, and with Redbook's forecast of a month-to-month gain of 0.6%, and
average annual growth of 6.7%. A fourth and final week of sales gains
comparable to those of the past two weeks, which is entirely conceivable,
would push our sample beyond its target.
The Same-Store Average for the latest week was 4.4% against 4.3% the
previous week, effectively unchanged. The month-to-month change for October versus September rose to 0.6% from 0.4%.
Gary |
