ShopperTrak reports 6.2% rise in year-over-year sales

Chicago ShopperTrak’s National Retail Sales Estimate Wednesday reported that year-over-year GAFO retail sales (general merchandise, apparel, furniture, sporting goods, electronics, hobby, books and other related store sales) increased 6.2% for the week ending Feb. 20, while sales rose 4.4% versus the previous week ending Feb. 13.

Sales reached a seasonal peak as Valentine’s Day and President’s Day spending spurred shopping early in the week providing both a year-over-year and week-over-week boost. Additionally, ShopperTrak reported GAFO sales levels increased last week as the Eastern markets recovered from blizzard-like conditions and consumers dug out to visit various retail locations and spend.

“The two holidays added to the fact that the majority of the folks impacted by snowstorms were finally able to leave their homes created some unexpectedly strong spending levels last week,” said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak. “Looking ahead, we expect GAFO retail sales will return to slower, more seasonal levels until the annual uptick seen around Easter in early April.”