NRF: November sales up 3.2% overall and 4.6% across health, personal care stores

WASHINGTON — Holiday shoppers took advantage of deep discounting and early sales to lift retail spending in November, the National Retail Federation said Thursday. Not including automobiles, gasoline stations or restaurants, retail sales increased 0.6% seasonally adjusted over October and 3.2% unadjusted over November 2013.

 

Those November gains were sharper for healthcare purveyors. Health-andperonal care stores saw a 0.8% month-to-month gain and a 4.6% year-over-year gain, while general merchandise stores realized a 0.5% month-to-month gain and a 2.3% year-over-year gain.  

 

Gains were consistent with NRF’s holiday sales forecast, which anticipates an increase of 4.1% overall over last year.

 

“As we’ve said all along, retailers are optimistic that they will see healthy holiday sales gains this year,” stated Matthew Shay, NRF president and CEO. “November sales results confirm that optimism, and we are steadfast in our belief that we are on track to reach the 4.1% growth in holiday sales that NRF forecasted in October,” he said. “Consumer trends show that the shopping experience continues to evolve for both retailers and consumers. Shoppers this holiday season are seizing opportunities to take advantage of early promotions, and showing signs they may wait until the end of the season when promotions are even greater.”

 

“Increasing wages combined with lower gas prices are providing retailers with an early holiday present this year,” NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “Every economic indicator is pointing toward a strong holiday season. Healthy November sales should provide momentum for an even stronger December as customers continue to seek out deals all the way to Christmas.”

 

All retail categories witnessed a monthly increase in sales, including clothing and clothing accessories stores, electronics and appliance stores, and nonstore retailers.