Comps inch upward

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/2/2012 12:36:44 PM

New York - Same-store sales were up 2.3% in the fifth and final week of September following a 2.0% gain in the prior week, according to The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index.

The discount channel experienced a 2.7% increase for the week ended Sept. 29, with the department store segment saw a 1.5% gain.

Month-to-date, September was up 2.4% compared to September of last year, outpacing Redbook's target of a 2.2% gain. Month-over-month showed a 1.6% gain, besting a targeted 1.5% gain.

Redbook analyst Catlin Levis noted, "Some retailers said that the outbreak of cooler weather in much of the country is driving demand for fall apparel and has bolstered foot traffic in malls, although not all retailers agree with this view."

Redbook's preliminary target for October based on retailers' plans is for a 2.2% comp increase, which equates to a month-over-month drop of 1.0%.