Some 53% of consumers said they started holiday shopping before Thanksgiving, in part due to the lateness of the holiday this year says Bill Thorne, senior VP-communications and public affairs at the NRF. That, and the fact that more retailers opened on Thanksgiving itself, helped explain why some retailers said Black Friday traffic was lighter than usual. Combine store results with a 19% increase in Cyber Monday sales and we at Retail Search Group believe this Christmas season is on track for success.

Macy's reported +3.5% comparable store growth, in good company with Williams-Sonoma, who reported +8.2% growth. Pier 1 capitalized on the home store trend, posting a +3.5% increase.

Because of the late Thanksgiving calendar for 2013 we believe it makes the most sense to combine both November and December results to get a true picture of the 2013 holiday season.

Hiring decisions continue to come forward as retailers prepare for 2014 transition. We encourage both candidates and retailers to continue their efforts to join talent with opportunity. 2014 glistens as a significant growth opportunity for those retailers ready to pursue it.

Click here for November 2013 National Retail Sales Results

October sales results show continued growth and strength of consumer spending. Combined with last week's jobs growth numbers, we have every reason to believe that Holiday 2013 will be one of the best in some time.

Specialty retailers GAP and Limited Brands reported excellent results, posting +4.0% and +8.0%, respectively. The pent-up demand for home improvement is busting-out, with Home Depot posting +10.7% and Lowes +9.6% comparable stores increases. CarMax pushed sales +16.0% for the quarter.

We are seeing expansion across nearly every segment of the retail landscape. Our team continues to be busy bringing forward top talent for these growth-oriented retailers. For many, 2014 financial planning has been completed and the initial stages of first quarter execution are underway.

Click here for October 2013 National Retail Sales Results

Consistent volume gains continue across most retail brands.

 

Counter to government fears, consumer spending continues its year-long growth pattern, led by department stores and value price channels. And, with 4% growth expected by the industry for the holiday season, we see no reason to support current doomsayer headlines.

 

Got Milk
Got Retail
Got Talent

 

Can it be said any more simply, our retail recruiting team is experiencing remarkable results for our client partners because of our 100% dedication to the retail industry. If you’re in a leadership role, wouldn’t you want the top-performing candidates who make your business happen?

Click here for September 2013 National Retail Sales Results