Shop Talk
Retailers, consumers and prices
Check Out Line: Warning! Murky outlook ahead for retailers
Check out the latest outlook on October sales at U.S. retailers.
While most industry experts expect a 1.2 percent rise thanks to the weather gods and easy comparisons, the forecast doesn’t really say it all.
For instance, while sales trends have improved from a disastrous October 2008, data on the economy and consumer spending gives mixed signals and indicates shoppers remain cautious.
News of the U.S. economy returning to growth may have renewed some hopes of a revival in spending late last week, but the Commerce Department talked about consumer spending falling 0.5 percent in September.
It may be too early to raise hopes based on expectations for October. One thing is certain — the future is unclear.
Also in the basket:
NBA average ticket price falls for 1st time in 8 years
Wal-Mart announces second round of toy price cuts
Flu fears boost Clorox profit; tops Street view
Dean Foods profit up; sees uptrend in dairy prices
(Reuters photo)
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FWIW, the retail store I work at is in a mall. In October, we had essentially the same customer count and were down about 6%.