| HeraldNet - Snohomish County's online news source |
 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010 7:56 pm |
||||||||||
 |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
Business 
|
|||||||||
Retailers see hope for holidays NEW YORK — The early picture of October retail sales shows more signs of a spending recovery, lifting hopes for a slightly merrier holiday season and for the overall economy.The brighter outlook among analysts comes ahead of Thursday’s sales reports from major retailers, which are expected to show the second consecutive monthly gain after more than a year of declines. Shoppers are treating themselves to little indulgences like boots and purchasing some merchandise at full price. SpendingPulse, a service of MasterCard Advisors, reported Wednesday that jewelry (up 7.2 percent) and clothing (up 3.4 percent) showed signs of life in October compared with a year earlier, when spending was in a free fall. But those figures were well below the levels two years ago and only slightly better than 2005. SpendingPulse estimates sales in all payment forms including cash and checks. A flurry of apparel retailers from T.J. Maxx to J. Crew Group Inc. have raised their profit outlooks in recent weeks. Consumer spending accounts for about 70 percent of all economic activity by federal measures, so evidence that consumers are opening their wallets a little more could provide incentive for factories to step up production of goods. Signs of life in spending “should offer evidence that these businesses need to start boosting their investment to feed this return of consumer demand,” said Frank Badillo, senior economist at consulting group TNS Retail Forward. Cooler weather helped October sales of plaid shirts and leggings. Ken Perkins, president of retail research firm Retail Metrics, said early holiday discounts also may have drawn shoppers last month. There’s concern about the fragility of American consumers who continue to grapple with tight credit and weak employment. More than 6 million additional people were jobless in September 2009 than in September 2008. As a result, consumer confidence has been choppy in recent months, rising above its February low, but still far from levels that would mean the economy is on solid footing. Michael P. Niemira, chief economist at the International Council of Shopping Centers, expects its analysis of October retail sales to show at least a 1 percent gain. The figures are based on sales at stores open at least a year and are considered a key indicator of a retailer’s health. That estimate compares with a 4.2 percent decline in October 2008. The figures exclude Wal-Mart Stores Inc., which stopped reporting monthly sales after reporting April results. |
- A revolutionary 747
- Fire breaks out at Everett car dealer
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries
- A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
- Snohomish County's bargain housing won't last
- Boeing's 747-8 takes off after weather delay
- Plan for I-5 closures this week
- A new bowling alley for Monroe?
- Lake Stevens man homeless after fire
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged
- Vote on school levies by Tuesday
(11) - A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood (10)
- State Senate votes to toss I-960's tax-raising hurdle (7)
- Lynnwood sets height limit on grass: 8 inches (6)
- Everett rethinks boutique wineries (5)
- Everett police officers cleared in 2008 shooting death (5)
- 1949 travel aid shows how few places blacks were welcome in Washington (4)
- I-5 bridge joint may give you a jolt, but it isn't damaged (4)
- A new bowling alley for Monroe? (3)
- Three politicians who want Gregoire's job in 2012 (3)
- Edmonds educator, famous announcer dies
- Mill Creek to appeal ruling on annexation
- Through the air, with the greatest of ease
- E-W thriving under new coach
- The path to citizenship
- EUUC puts on ‘Pants & Shoes’
- Wolfpack wins the ‘Battle'
- Lynnwood’s annexation plans OK’d
- Arlington's Cascade Valley Hospital celebrates expansion, national award and 100 years of service
- Business Licences Feb. 2010
- Technology tips for launching your own business
- Business Events Feb. 2010
- Tech Talk: No excuse today for going without a Web site
- State already raising fees and rates that restrict business growth
- Some legislators again targeting people’s initiative petition rights
|
 
|
|
|
|
| TODAY'S TOP JOBS |
| View All Top Jobs |
| Top Cars |
|
| Top Homes |
|
|
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|Contact Us
|Advertiser Services
|Home Delivery
|Newsstand Locations
|Classifieds
|Feedback
|About the Company
|Work@the Herald
|Site Map |
|
COMMENTS | Be the first to comment
Log in or register to post a new comment.
To read other terms and conditions, click here