Johnson Redbook: Retail sales slow somewhat in September's third week as BTS ends

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/20/2011 12:09:11 PM

New York -- The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 4.1% in the third week of September following a 4.5% gain the previous week.

Month-to-date, September rose 4.5% compared to last year's September, relative to a target of a 4.6% gain. Month-over-month showed a flat reading compared to August, relative to a target of a 0.1% gain.

September is a five-week month on the retail calendar, ending on October 1st.

As back-to-school merges into transitional fall business, sales for the week were mixed to slightly weaker in the third week of September, said Catlin Levis of Redbook Research. Some clothing categories were active, but apparel in general did not perform at the same level as in previous weeks, hurting the department stores with their narrower merchandise bases. Discount stores sales were supported by consumer basics such as food and household supplies. Back-to-school categories are now winding down and fresh fall apparel has started to sell well in some regions as cool weather moves in.