The most exciting part of the retail business is seeing broad-based growth across the industry. I’m happy to report that U.S. retailers have just landed the best holiday season since 2006. There is some evidence that conservative inventory positions may have limited some retailer potential for December.

The ICSC group reported a 3.8% combined Nov-Dec comparable store sales increase. This compares to 2006 when the industry reported an increase in the 4.4% range. Think back to 2006. I don’t recall any complaints about sales that year! Although the pure December sales increase has been reported as +3.1%, when combined with the 5.8% November increase the 2010 holiday season is one that most retailers can be proud of.

In November I talked about consumers looking for good value. Although we have a few teen retailers who didn’t attract their customers with competitive value, others like Zumiez, Buckle and Abercrombie did and delivered excellent comp store increases ranging from +6.1% to +15%.

During a post-holiday tour I visited a JC Penney store to find the men’s sales area with virtually blank walls and little RTW to sell. When asked, a salesperson replied, “Our stockroom is completely empty. We sold all our clothes.” On the Monday after Christmas, Nordstrom in San Diego was swamped with eager-to-buy customers – it was a mad-house of retail activity! Nordstrom posted a +8.4% comp store performance for December. Macy’s and Kohl’s both turned in respectable increases of +3.9%.

At the end of the day it’s all good. Many retailers took advantage of their pre-holiday trend and planned inventories to support growth. Their focus on value with well-planned inventories and promotions generated solid business that will likely continue in first quarter 2011. Consumers are buying and the best retailers are giving them what they want.

Click here for November National Retail Sales Results

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