Retail sales increased last week as Memorial Day spending gained momentum throughout the week. Additionally, the warmer weather experienced throughout much of the country last week provided a lift on seasonal summer apparel, helping boost both yearly and weekly sales. ShopperTrak reports year-over-year sales have increased 17 out of a possible 22 weeks so far in 2010.

 

“Anytime you combine an approaching holiday with very favorable weather retail sales are going to perform very well,” said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak. “In looking at our historical data we expect this week will also show gains as consumers had an extra day to spend due to Memorial Day and if this present trend in retail continues we anticipate summer sales will be much improved compared to 2009.” Martin continued: “That being said, hurricane season has officially begun and the initial forecast calls for an active season which could negatively impact both retail traffic and sales. As in previous years, we’ll keep a close eye on this through the end of September and continue reporting data on a weekly and as needed basis.” 

 

 

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 50,000 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. For more information visit http://www.shoppertrak.com.