Record-breaking Black Friday weekend tonic for retailers

Holiday Sales Watch – Report 1

ALBANY, NY (11/30/2011)(readMedia)-- Lingering concerns about the economy and consumer attitudes took a backseat to fantastic bargains propelling New York state retailers to report the strongest Black Friday weekend in years. Eighty five percent of merchants surveyed by the Retail Council of New York State early this week said their sales for the weekend were better than or the same as their sales for the same period of time in 2010.

"We were impressed by consumer buying power over Black Friday weekend in 2010, but are immensely encouraged by the turnout this year," said Retail Council President and Chief Executive Officer James R. Sherin. "Retailers had the right mix of merchandise at the right price to get shoppers to open those long-locked wallets."

Sixty-five percent of merchants were pleased with the sales activity in their stores over Black Friday weekend, although apparel retailers said unseasonably warm weather stalled shopper interest in coats, boots, sweaters and other winter wear.

Others thought the balmy temperatures aided sales. "It was a terrific day for us – best Friday after Thanksgiving ever. I attribute it to many things, but can't discount the weather factor," one member near Buffalo reported.

Electronics – particularly attractively priced televisions – was a top seller for the weekend. Other traditional holiday staples like gift cards, clothing, jewelry, accessories, books and toys were also popular. Some merchants noted shoppers buying for themselves in addition to friends and family.

Retailers throughout the state reported on their Black Friday weekend sales through the Retail Council of New York State's annual "Holiday Sales Watch," a periodic snapshot of sales activity in stores small and large between late November and early January.

"Merchants are anticipating the post-Black Friday hiatus normally taken by shoppers, but seem confident about the momentum created by this past weekend and what it foreshadows for the season overall," said Sherin. "Retailers will build on this very strong launch and continue to offer consumers good value throughout the season."

The Retail Council's next Holiday Sales Watch will gauge mid-season sales activity. The results of this survey will be released Dec. 14, 2011.

Hot Sellers for Kids - 2011 Holiday Season

For Girls: Barbie, dolls (generic), Disney Princess and Monster High Dolls, American Girl, video games, Elmo and Lalaloopsy, Dora the Explorer, Nintendo DS, Leapfrog

For Boys: Video Games, LEGO, Cars (generic), Transformers, Hot Wheels, Disney Cars, Xbox 360, Elmo, Nintendo DS, Trucks (generic)

About the Retail Council of New York State:

The "Voice of Retailing" in New York state, the Retail Council represents thousands of member stores of all sort and size. The Retail Council offers money-saving group benefit programs and government relations expertise to its members. For more information, please visit www.retailcouncilnys.com.

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