Sales of sporting goods/hobby/book/toy stores gained 6.4 percent to
$7.08 billion in September, up from $6.65 billion, according to
preliminary figures from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce census.
Overall, retail sales, excluding
autos, gas and restaurants, rose 3.3 percent over last year. The NRF noted that despite the gain, sales stumbled a bit from the previous month
amidst warmer-than-normal temperatures and the impact of a deflationary
retail environment, decreasing 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted from
August.
The three-month moving average growth on a year-over-year basis for NRF-calculated retail sales is 3.4 percent.
“September
retail sales results paint a very mixed picture,” said NRF Chief
Economist Jack Kleinhenz. “We’re encouraged by the relatively strong
year-over-year sales increases but recognize the muted growth in monthly
sales could be the result of an unusually warm September and the fact
that retailers could still be challenged by falling prices as compared
to a year ago. At the same time, retailers may have benefited from a
later-than-usual Labor Day holiday.
“We are still optimistic
about our expectations for healthy holiday sales growth for retailers
this winter,” Kleinhenz continued.
Additional findings from NRF’s monthly retail sales analysis found:
- Sales
at furniture and home furnishing stores increased 0.6 percent
seasonally adjusted from the previous month and 5.8 unadjusted
year-over-year. - Electronic and appliance stores’ sales decreased 0.2
percent seasonally adjusted over August and 5.2 percent unadjusted over
the previous year. - Building and materials stores’ sales decreased 0.3
percent seasonally adjusted over August and increased 3 percent
unadjusted over last year. - Clothing and clothing accessories stores’
sales increased 0.9 percent seasonally adjusted from the previous month
and a strong 5 percent unadjusted year-over-year. - Non-store and online sales decreased 0.2 percent over the previous month and increased 5.2 unadjusted over last year.
