News - National
Clothing sales down, but online roars back
Posted: Nov 24, 2009 8:01 AM by Associated Press
Updated: Nov 24, 2009 8:01 AM
Last year's massive discounts on clothing aren't around this year and its had a predictable effect on sales, but figures for electronics are strong and online sales are roaring back. SpendingPulse reports that after showing signs of improvement in early fall, sales of clothing and luxury goods weakened a bit the first half of November.
SpendingPulse Vice President Michael McNamara notes that last year's deep price cuts were emergency discounts so comparisons may be unfair. He says retailers are "in a much better position" this year. E-commerce sales are up 19.4 percent the first half of the month.
McNamara says this year's rising gas prices have helped because online shopping lets consumers drive less. And electronics sales rose 6.1 percent, helped in part by coupons and other enticements.
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