Comps positive in November’s second week

-- Home Textiles Today, 11/17/2009 1:03:00 PM

New York – Cooler weather put consumers in a more positive frame of mind about fall merchandise during the second week of November, the Johnson Redbook reported today.

The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index rose 2.0% for the week ended Nov. 14 following a 1.7% increase the week before. Compared to October, comps were up 4.4%.

Once again, discounters had the stronger week, with comps rising 4.2%, and they reported sales across a range of merchandise categories, according to said Catlin Levis, Redbook analyst.

Department store comps fell 1.5%, an improvement of the 1.9% decline a week earlier.

“Most retailers were satisfied with the progression of this closely watched monthly, which is expected to strengthen gradually into the Thanksgiving Day weekend,” said Levis. “Retailers are trying to jump start holiday sales by rolling out holiday deals earlier than usual and announcing extended store hours.”