Shopping Lull Short-Lived - Merchants Remain Upbeat at Midway Point

Holiday Sales Watch - Report 2

ALBANY, NY (12/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Holiday shopping momentum continued through mid-December say members of the Retail Council of New York State. Seventy-eight percent of merchants surveyed by the Retail Council on Dec. 12 and 13 indicated sales were better than or the same as their sales for the same period of time last year. Fifty-six percent were pleased with sales activity since Black Friday weekend.

Retailers throughout the state reported the results through the Retail Council's annual "Holiday Sales Watch," a periodic snapshot of sales activity in stores small and large. This second Holiday Sales Watch gauged retailers' perceptions of sales activity since Black Friday weekend.

"Retailers reported decreased foot traffic in stores the past two weeks as part of the typical post-Black Friday lull, but that didn't dampen sales for many when they compared numbers to 2010," said Retail Council President and Chief Executive Officer James R. Sherin. "Merchants have done a great job of encouraging shoppers to remain in the marketplace with attractive prices, unique merchandise and good service."

Flat screen televisions and other home electronics continue to move quickly, said Council survey participants. Other traditional holiday staples like gift cards, clothing, jewelry, accessories, books and toys also sold well.

When asked if weather had affected holiday business to date, half of respondents indicated "Yes" either because warm weather hindered the sale of coats, boots and other winter outerwear earlier in the month or because unseasonable temperatures and clear roads made it easier for shoppers to visit.

Retailers are now gearing up for the critical weekend before Christmas, typically the busiest shopping period of the year.

"Early weather forecasts around the state predict plenty of dry weather and cold temperatures, which will be part of the equation that helps to deliver a strong finale for most retailers," Sherin said.

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 size and variety. The Retail Council offers money-saving group benefit programs and government relations expertise to its members. For more information, please visit www.retailcouncilnys.com.