US DATA: wk 20-Oct Redbook: Year-over-year: Week (w/e 10/20/12 vs year-ago)
1.3%; Year-over-year: Month (October 2012 vs October 2011) 1.6%;
Month-over-month: (October 2012 vs September 2012) -1.7%.-
“Sales pulled back after the Columbus Day holiday sales the prior week. The
strength in Halloween related merchandise sales is coming as we get closer to
the end of the month. As noted, with Halloween being two days later this year
versus last year, some Halloween business could be pushed out of October and
into November. Meanwhile, to get an early start to the holiday season, some
stores have already stocked shelves with Christmas merchandise along with
Halloween items. Retailers said demand for seasonal clothing continued along
with cooler weather.”
