SpendingPulse Survey shows year-over-year growth

Purchase, N.Y. -- MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse report, released Thursday, showed that sales in most retail categories continued to gain momentum over an already strong October showing.



Year-over-year total apparel sales in November saw a 9.6% increase, the largest year-over-year growth in 2010 for that sector following the previous record in October. Total apparel has recorded eight out of 11 months of year-over-year gains so far in 2010. In November, all of the sub-sectors posted year-over-year growth.



For the second consecutive month, the consumer electronics and appliances segment posted a year-over-year decline, although at -1.1%, it was not as severe as October’s decline. The consumer electronics sub-category was down by 1%, while the appliance sub-sector fell by 1.6% year-over-year.



E-commerce returned to double-digit year-over-year growth in November as consumers took advantage of free shipping offers and online-only specials. The category posted a year-over-year increase of 12.0%, the first double-digit growth rate since July, and the largest increase since May. The apparel sub-category rose 22.2%, increasing by double digits for the 12th consecutive month, led mainly by children’s apparel at +33.3%, and footwear at 32.7%. Online sales of electronics were up 6.0%.



Michael McNamara, VP research and analysis for MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse, said: “Industry sales generally did well in November, building on the positive momentum first observed in September that carried through the early fall. The November retail sales gains indicate a solid start to the 2010 Holiday season for most categories, with some recording significant year-over-year gains.”



The SpendingPulse Luxury ex-Jewelry Index, which encompasses sales at high-end restaurants, food stores, department stores and general apparel categories, posted positive results in November, although not as robust as October, growing 1.6% year-over-year.