Kantar Retail: December same-store sales edge higher

Columbus, Ohio -- A slowing trend in retail same-store sales leveled out at 3.6% growth in December as shoppers' spending plans firmed up in time for the holidays while remaining value-focused, according to Kantar Retail.



The sales-weighted composite for the 24 retailers reporting — most of them apparel retailers — was up modestly from the 3.1% same-store sales gain last month and the 3.2% gain in December of 2010. “The holiday results reflect trends we can continue to expect into the New Year. We’re seeing weak-to-modest growth overall that hides pockets of strength skewed toward upscale retailers and value-focused retailers that win over shoppers at the expense of their competitors,” said Frank Badillo, senior economist, Kantar Retail.