Report: Calendar shift gives boost to year-to-year sales

Chicago The latest ShopperTrak National Retail Sales Estimate reported that year-over-year retail sales for the week ending March 28 were up 6.9%. However, weekly sales declined 3.7% compared with the previous week ending March 21.

According to ShopperTrak, last week’s year-over-year GAFO retail sales increase is almost entirely due to the 2009 calendar shift, as the comparable week in 2008 contained Easter which is annually a day with very little shopping.

ShopperTrak reported the 3.7% week-over-week decline better represents the current state of retail sales, as cooler weather and some late season snow, added to continued economic concerns, slowed shopping last week.

“Although week-over-week sales showed a slight improvement the last few weeks, it seems inclement weather throughout the Midwest and the continued cool weather throughout the country deterred spending last week,” said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak. “Looking ahead, we expect GAFO retail sales to pick up a bit over the next two weeks as Easter approaches and many schools are on spring break, allowing the opportunity to shop for spring merchandise and apparel.”