15 Dec Sporting Goods Retail Sales up 5 Percent in November
Sales at sporting goods stores last month increased 0.8 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 5 percent unadjusted year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation’s vetting of the federal government’s retail sales data for November.
Retail sales in November excluding autos, gas and restaurants increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted over the previous month and 3.0 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
“Consumers right now are getting great value for significantly less this holiday season given the deflationary environment that continues to impact overall trends in spending,” said NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz. “Additionally, the broadening of the holiday season, warmer than normal weather patterns and a shift in spending toward services remain the top challenges for retailers right now.”
Sales at clothing and accessories stores increased 0.8 percent seasonally adjusted over October, but decreased 1.6 percent unadjusted over last year. Given weather impacts, the data point to a healthy consumer, Kleinhenz said.
“Retailers are well-prepared for these challenges and are keen to continue to offer their shoppers a worth-while holiday shopping experience,” continued Kleinhenz.
The U.S. Commerce Department reported Dec. 11 that total retail sales in November increased 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted over October and 1.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
The U.S. Department of Commerce reported advance data also show:
Online and other non-store sales increased 0.6 seasonally adjusted in November over the previous month and 10.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Sales at general merchandise stores increased 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted in November over the previous month and 1.4 percent year-over-year.
Electronics and appliances stores’ sales increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and decreased 1.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
Furniture and home furnishings stores’ sales decreased 0.3 percent over the previous month and increased 4.9 percent unadjusted over last year.