November 2012 National Retail Sales Results
The consistent
strength of retailers’ comparable store sales across 2012 convicted us to
believe that the best holiday performance since 2008 was at hand. Those retail CEOs who bet the same will be
smiling at their January board meetings.
We have a new retail landscape. First, strong sales led the season. Secondly, the added shopping hours at
brick-n-mortar retailers were a runaway success, with retailers claiming
double-digit increases and forever changing shopper traffic patterns for the
holiday season!
The 2012 retail
calendar shift means that retailers showing growth for November should
therefore be considered top performers for the period. There are several.
Specialty apparel was
red hot. Limited brands executed
brilliantly and produced a 5% increase, with Gap continuing their turnaround by
driving a 3.0% increase across the brand.
For the quarter,
footwear continues to sizzle with Finish Line and Footlocker posting 12.3% and
10.2% increases, respectively. DSW
continued a sterling performance with a 6.3% showing.
Those retailers
showing increases for November, even if modest, will likely be our industry
pacesetters through
Click here for November 2012 National Retail Sales Results