CHICAGO - October 11, 2005 - ShopperTrak RCT Corporation's National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE) today reported that U.S. retail sales for the week ending October 8 increased 1.6 percent as compared to the same week in 2004. Although the retail figure posted the 39th year-over-year weekly sales increase in 2005, the slight week-over-week comparison suggests that consumers are still keeping spending to a minimum in light of the ever-increasing energy prices. Sales for the week ending October 8 as compared to the previous week ending October 1 improved 1.9 percent.

"These data suggest that the retail landscape has become more difficult in recent weeks and that only a modest sales trend continues," said Michael Niemira, chief economist and director of research for the International Council of Shopping Centers. "That being said, the retail industry shouldn't be too alarmed as September and early October are typically slow retail periods which historically accelerate during the Halloween shopping period, then into the holiday season." Niemira continued: "However, it remains to be seen how the ever-increasing gasoline prices will affect this trend in 2005."

Additionally, ShopperTrak reported that to date, average weekly sales for October, versus the same period last year rose a slight 1.2 percent.

Developed by ShopperTrak, the NRSE provides a nationwide benchmark of retail sales. It is derived from the U.S. Commerce Department's GAFO (general merchandise, apparel, furniture, sporting goods, electronics, hobby, books and other related store sales) statistic, as well as ShopperTrak's proprietary industry intelligence on shopper movement and sales statistics. This gives retailers, investors and policy makers the most accurate and timely information on consumer trends available today.

A privately held entity, ShopperTrak leverages 20 years of retail expertise to be the industry's authority for information and analysis of the movement of shoppers in retail environments. ShopperTrak's cutting-edge shopper tracking products and indices offer retail intelligence solutions that enable companies to better understand retail trends and the impact of store and staff performance on company revenues. With more than 40,000 units installed in the world's best known retail outlets and malls, the company's solutions also provide a proven means for retailers to gauge labor efficiencies, advertising and marketing efforts, store design and remodeling programs, merchandise changes, associate training programs, and other budget-intensive strategic initiatives. http://www.shoppertrak.com

EDITOR'S NOTE: The data contained within this news release is the property of ShopperTrak RCT Corporation and may be reprinted, published or broadcast, provided proper credit is given to the National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE) and ShopperTrak RCT Corporation as the supplier of the information. Please contact Aaron Martin at 312-943-9100 if you have any questions concerning the use of this data.