New York, NY, November 22, 2005--The International Council of Shopping Centers said that for the week ending Nov. 19 such sales increased by 1 percent, and that year-over-year sales pace also rose by 4.2 percent.
"This past week, demand for seasonal goods finally took hold as consumers took advantage of some early holiday sales," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC's chief economist and director of research.
"As we get set for the 'traditional' kick-off to the holiday season on Black Friday, underlying demand is providing a positive--though uneven--start to the holiday season. For November, we expect comp-store sales to rise by 3.5 to 4 percent, on a year-over-year basis," Niemira added.
The ICSC-UBS Weekly Chain Store Sales Snapshot is compiled from a group of major discount, department and chain stores across the country that report their weekly results.
