Comps softened a bit during December's second week

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/14/2010 3:20:00 PM

New York - After a frenetic shopping pace at the beginning of the holiday sales season, comps eased up a bit during the second week of December, according to the Johnson Redbook.
Same-store sales for the week ended Dec. 11 rose 2.5% after a 3.8% hike a week earlier. Comps for the department store sector showed to 1.8%, while discounter segment comp came in a 3.2%.
"With the month significantly back-loaded with last minute holiday shopping along with the new year, retailers entered the expected "soft-middle" of the holiday season as most remained cautiously optimistic in sitting out the pre-Christmas wait," said Catlin Levis, Redbook analyst.
She noted there is one extra shopping day before Christmas this year, "which should add some growth."