ShopperTrak projects strong start to BTS season

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/11/2012 1:19:49 PM

Chicago - Retail data analysis firm ShopperTrak has forecast a 4% increase in Back-to-School sales this August on top of a 4.5% increase in the year-ago period. It also expects retail foot traffic to increase for the first time in five years, rising 1.5%.
"The tide will turn for retailers this year" after lackluster BTS seasons in 2009 and 2010, said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder.
"For the last couple of years, traffic data indicated a trend toward very targeted shopping. This year, back-to-school shoppers will visit more stores and browse for the best value," added Martin. "Stores that plan ahead and keep a close eye on their foot traffic and conversion rates will be pleased with their performance this season."
ShopperTrak measures retail foot traffic in more than 45,000 locations across 74 countries. It reported that year-over-year foot traffic percentages in the U.S. have been trending positively since Presidents Day this past February.