ShopperTrak Reports Flat Sales for Week Ending Nov. 1

Chicago ShopperTrak RCT’s National Retail Sales Estimate (NRSE) reported retail sales for the week ending Nov. 1 were up slightly, 0.2%, compared to sales for the previous week, but were 1.8% below the comparable week in 2007.

ShopperTrak attributed the sluggish performance to unseasonably warm weather throughout the Midwest and Northeast, which likely impacted consumer spending on seasonal merchandise.

The slower sales also supported ShopperTrak’s analysis that suggests consumers reduce spending immediately prior to a national election and concentrate on the candidates in the presidential race.

Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak, predicted, “After the election is over, consumers will most likely turn their attention to holiday spending while retailers will begin to heavily push holiday sales and promotions.”