December 20

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Local Holiday Sales Rebound

December 20, 2005

Norfolk, VA – With just a few days left before Christmas and Hanukkah, holiday sales appear to be on the rebound for local retailers. Retailers reported sales results through the second annual Retail Alliance Holiday Sales Watch, a weekly snapshot of retail activity in Hampton Roads.

In a sharp increase from last week, almost 90 percent of retailers reported their sales for the previous weekend were up or even, which is an increase of 30 percentage points from the previous week. Almost 70 percent of respondents reported sales up. This is an increase of 20 points over last week.

Of those retailers reporting higher sales, the average increase was 9 percent, which is four points higher than last week. All responding apparel stores reported sales up, and all food retailers reporting this week are either up or even. Also, 80 percent of home décor retailers reported sales were up. This is a slight increase over all from last week.

“Retailers are doing an admirable job attracting consumers to their stores with special promotions and discounts,” Retail Alliance President/CEO C. Donald Porter said. “At this point, it appears that the 2005 holiday shopping season will prove to be positive for the majority of our merchants, which is a reflection of the strength of the Hampton Roads economy.”

Merchants continue to cite the Internet as an important factor in helping their sales. And, as for shoppers’ attitudes, most describe consumers as ranging from “good” to “wonderful,” although for the first time this season, one retailer reported some shoppers as “grumpy.”

Hot Sellers in Hampton Roads for the Survey Period Dec. 12 – Dec. 19, 2005

Food: Small cakes, gift packs and gifts mailed out of area.
Apparel: Bobbie Jones knits for men; Oprah bathrobes, gift cards, jackets, sweaters and hand bags for women
Jewelry: Diamond jewelry
Specialty Gifts/Home Decor: Children’s loft beds with sliders, yard decorations and bird items, snowmen
Electronics: MP3 players

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