November 13

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Holiday Sales Continue to Show Moderate Increase

November 13, 2005

Norfolk, VA - At the mid-point of the holiday shopping season, local retailers in Hampton Roads continue to report moderate increases in sales. Thirty retailers reported sales results through the second annual Retail Alliance Holiday Sales Watch, a weekly snapshot of retail activity in Hampton Roads.

In a decline from the two previous weekly reporting periods, only 60 percent of survey respondents reported that their sales were up or even. Fifty percent of these respondents reported sales up, which is a 17 percent decrease over last week.

Of those reporting higher sales, the average increase was 5 percent over the same holiday shopping period in 2004. Seventy-one percent of apparel stores reported sales up, which is a significant increase over last week. In another category, food sales were off somewhat from last week, but still marked a 6 percent increase. One food retailer reporting multiple locations said the group is up year-to-date overall.

A number of merchants have repeatedly commented on the importance of the Internet in boosting store sales. For example, one survey respondent said that some consumers were shopping online, and then calling the store to check availability. The growing consumer use of the Internet for shopping has led the Retail Alliance® to offer a new website development program for its association members. Details of the program will be announced early in 2006.

As for shopper attitudes, all retailer surveyed this week reported positive attitude ranging from “good” to “great and wonderful.” Several retailers reported that men are beginning to shop for their wives and girlfriends. And although one retailer said that consumers “want it now!” several others reported that customers seem to be waiting longer this year to make their purchases

Hot Sellers in Hampton Roads for the Survey Period Dec. 5 – Dec. 11, 2005

• Food: Gift packs and gifts mailed out of the area
• Apparel: Fur coats, outerwear, long-sleeved shirts and sweaters are all on the rise, with sales spurred by colder weather
• Jewelry: Fancy diamonds and diamond earrings
• Specialty Gifts/Home Decor: High-end lighting and children’s bedroom furniture

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