December 7

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Local Merchants Show Better Performance than National Trend

December 7, 2004

Norfolk, VA - Local retailers in Hampton Roads continue to report robust holiday sales that appear to outperform national sales figures, according to the Retail Alliance Holiday Sales Watch, a weekly snapshot of retail activity in Hampton Roads.

Of those retailers reporting actual sales percentages up or down, the average is a 34 percent increase in sales over the same holiday shopping period in 2003, Although a few of these retailers reported a decrease in sales, the majority of retailers indicated that their sales were up or even with last year. The retailers also reported that shoppers continue to appear upbeat, positive and willing to spend money.

“Our local economy continues to buck the national retail trends,” said Retail Alliance President/CEO C. Donald Porter. “This upbeat news for Hampton Roads retail should translate into more retail economic development for our area in the future.”

On the national level, weekly retail sales data was mixed and customer counts were down, according to two industry reports. The Redbook report released today said general merchandise chain store sales rose in the week ended Dec. 4, as average sales were generally ahead of last year, but customer counts were down. Today’s report from the International Council of Shopping Centers and UBS showed that sales continued to fall during the week following the Thanksgiving holiday. Sales at discount and department stores fell 1.7 percent in the week ended Dec. 4, compared with a 1.5 percent decline in the previous week.

Hampton Roads retailers attributed their strong sales to a variety of factors, including pent-up demand, advertising, coupons and sale items, and confidence in the economy.

Hot Sellers in Hampton Roads for the Survey Period Dec. 1 – 7, 2004

Toys: Sales were up with the educational gifts flying off the shelves.
Apparel: Although some items are not selling as well yet due to mild weather, brand name merchandise such as Dickies or Timberlands are selling like hot cakes.
Electronics: In this digital, electronic area, electronics tend to be a favorite with DVD players, Digital Cameras, IPOD and MP3 players selling well.
Specialty Food: Sales are starting to pick up. Some favorites are Rodman’s peanuts and eggnog cakes.
Other: Gift sets of all types seem to be a favorite “easy pick” item; tools are selling well.

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