At the start of the holiday season both NRF and ICSC issued predictions that retailers could expect comparable store sales in the 3.5% range for Holiday 2010. November results came in much higher than forecast, climbing to 5.8%, significantly ahead of expectations.

Some don’t believe the sales were the result of deep discounts or other one-time strategies. These comparable sales gains are the result of carefully planned and executed retail strategies across both department and specialty store segments. Solid retailing is back to stay! Consumers are seeking good value and retailers executed well-planned strategies to attract and win the customer.

Best Buy had a line of tents the day before black Friday….the Minneapolis retailer attracted customers with a combination of value and assortment. Best Buy has already distanced the competition and won the gold medal for technology retailing this season. Department stores like Nordstrom, Macys and Neiman Marcus lit up the sky with increases from 5-6%. Several specialty retailers reported double-digit growth (Abercrombie 22%, Limited 10%).

Exceptions? Yes, there are a few retailers who haven’t given their customers assortments to be excited about. Hot Topic -2.1%, and reported laying-off 80 people at their headquarters and announced store closings. In this retail trend it’s also surprising that Rite Aid -1.3% continues to sputter.

Recruiting
Everyone wants to talk to a recruiter but no one wants to be seen talking to one. Our team of experienced professionals can work with you on a confidential basis and provide valuable insight as you consider next moves. Most retail company budgets are completed for fiscal 2011. If January is a target hiring month then we should begin dialogue at once.

Tired of the “parade of candidates” that aren’t right? Have you thought about having a professional retail search organization bring forward your competition’s best talent so you can interview them? Perhaps it’s time to develop a relationship with the Retail Search Group team.

Click here for November National Retail Sales Results.

October finished with nice solid gains and the word on the street is incredibly positive!

I am excited to share that business continues to improve and we are noticing this in many different pockets of the country and in many different ways.

As you may know our office is 100% retail focused and has operated in retail for 25+ years. Ten years ago we listened to our clients needs and carved out niche areas specific to what they indicated as "tough to fill" retail areas. The good news is, as an office, we expect to finish 2010 with a 20% increase if everything continues to point in the direction that it is, and although we are not a retail company we run parallel with you retailers and so does our business. I believe that has set us apart from other recruiters and sustained us during these times.

We noticed this down turn in late 2008 in our Buying and Merchandising area first. Much like you, we never anticipated what was going to take place in 2009. This time was anything but exciting, definitely a year of learning. We too downsized, right sized or whatever kind of sizing that was taking place. This experience has taught all to be better at what we do in whatever role we are in. Some called it a cleansing.

We are excited and energized by not only the Clients that are coming back, but what we are hearing as companies are stratigizing for 2011.

Have fun reading October results. Best wishes to all for a wonderful Holiday Season.

Click here for October National Retail Sales Results

No question about it! Comparable store sales results are becoming consistently stronger across the retail landscape. The NRF and ICSC have stepped forward with their projections for holiday - we have reason to be encouraged! In fact, the National Retail Federation released a report expressing optimism for the coming holiday season. The Washington, D.C. based trade group forecasts holiday retail sales to reach $447.1 billion this year, up 2.3% from 2009. It would be the best holiday for retailers in four years, after sales were flat last year and fell 3.9% in 2008. Last week, the International Council of Shopping Centers released its own forecast for the holidays, projecting sales will rise as much as 3.5%.

Several retailers continue aggressive, double-digit growth. Examples are Abercrombie & Fitch, Limited Brands and Zumiez, each up 12-17%. Department stores gained strength with consistent comp store increases in the 4-7% range. Nordstrom again led the way with a 7.5% comparable store increase.

Exceptions. Yes, there are a few retailers who haven’t given their customers assortments to be excited about like Hot Topic at -2.6%, and Pac Sun at -10.0%.

A straightforward consolidated summary is below. These results are what retailers were hoping-for as they finalize 2011 budgets.

Unemployment
We like to see straight numbers, without the PR spin. The facts straight from BLS dated Friday, October 8, 2010 are as follows:

The number of unemployed persons, at 14.8 million, was essentially unchanged in September, and the unemployment rate held at 9.6%. According to the Labor Department, total U.S. private-sector employment grew by 67,000 positions in August, the eighth consecutive month of job growth.

Recruiting
Do you have positions which continue to remain open despite several weeks/months of interviewing? If so, what’s the real cost to your organization? Have you recently had to “settle” on simply filling a position without feeling like you’ve interviewed the best talent from your competition?

Have you thought about having a professional search organization bring forward your competition’s best talent so you can interview them? Perhaps it’s time to develop a relationship with the Retail Search Group team. They’re the finest retail specialists in the search industry.

Click here for September National Retail Sales Results