Sales Miss Target, Rise 3.2 Percent

New York —Same-store sales came in light and missed their target during the first week of October, rising 3.2 percent, and falling slightly shy of a goal of 3.4 percent, the Johnson Redbook Index reported.

“The week started slowly with below-average customer counts, but improved toward the weekend as temperatures fell to more fall-like levels in many parts of the country,” said Redbook Analyst Catlin Levis.

“Falling temperatures spurred interest in cool-weather apparel, and stores were probably more promotional to clear goods ahead of the Halloween season, especially apparel specialty stores, with their recent inventory build-up,” the analyst noted.

“The main merchandise themes in October include mid-fall seasonal apparel, Halloween, winter sports and early holiday,” said Levis. “Merchants said sales in these areas were starting to build.”