Comps ticked up in 2nd week of November

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 11/15/2011 1:14:11 PM

New York - Same-store sales rose 3.3% in the second week of November following a 3.1% gain the prior week, according to the Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index.

Month-to-date, November was up 3.2% compared to November of last year, relative to a target of a 4.1% gain. Month-over-month showed a 1.5% gain compared to October, relative to a target of a 2.4% gain.

Veterans Day promotions helped to lift traffic and sales in the week, Redbook research Catlin Levis noted. "Most retailers said they were satisfied with the progression of this closely watched month, which is expected to strengthen gradually into the Thanksgiving Day weekend."

Most retailers have already launched into holiday sales mode ahead of Blck Friday, and many have announced extended Black Friday shopping hours, as well as price-matching and lay-away programs. Some retailers said they had seen an increase in competitor promotions, but were maintaining their own programs close to planned levels, said Levis.