Holiday Shopping Season Starts Strong, NRF Says

The holiday shopping season is off to a good start, according to new data from the National Retail Federation that shows year-over-year sales up more than 4%.

According to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor, sales increased 4.24% unadjusted year-over-year In November and increased 0.77% seasonally adjusted month-over-month. Retail sales figures provided included automobiles and gasoline. 

“November Retail Monitor data shows that consumers are embracing the holiday season and promotions being offered by retailers,” said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the NRF. “Value conscious shoppers are out looking for deals as they purchase gifts for family and friends, and this data indicates that they’re finding them. Since November makes up half the holiday season, these numbers are a positive indication of what we can expect for the full holiday season.”

November sales were up in seven out of nine retail categories on a yearly basis, led by online sales, health and personal care stores and sporting goods/hobby/music/book stores, and up in all but two categories on a monthly basis. Specifics from key sectors include:

• Online and other non-store sales were up 0.8% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 26.27% year-over-year unadjusted.
• Health and personal care stores were up 1.6% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 9.15% year-over-year unadjusted.
• Sporting goods, hobby, music and book stores were up 1% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 8.25% year-over-year unadjusted.
• Clothing and accessories stores were up 0.87% month-over-month and up 5.81% year-over-year unadjusted.
• Grocery and beverage stores were up 0.84% month-over-month and up 3.19% year-over-year unadjusted.
• Electronics and appliance stores were up 0.1% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and also up 0.1% year-over-year unadjusted.
• General merchandise stores were up 1.03% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and up 0.61% year-over-year unadjusted.
• Building and garden supply stores were down 1.16% month-over-month and down 0.06% year-over-year unadjusted.
• Furniture and home furnishings stores were down 0.04% month-over-month seasonally adjusted and down 2.08% year-over-year unadjusted.