Statewide holiday sales even with last year's pace

CNY Business Journal (1996+), Dec 07, 2001

ALBANY - Unseasonably warm weather and shoppers hunting bargains kept sales activity in New York State even with activity posted during the same period one year ago, but retailers are optimistic sales will pick up as Christmas nears and the weather gets colder.

Retailers throughout the state reported the results through the Retail Council of New York State's second week of its annual "Holiday Sales Watch."

"It is fairly typical for a slowdown to follow 'Black Friday' weekend, as shoppers take stock of what they've purchased and what they still need to buy," said Retail Council President and CEO James A. Quaremba. "Most merchants in our survey describe shoppers' overall mood as upbeat yet cautious."

Some retailers speculate lower energy prices for home heating oil, natural gas, and petroleum will encourage people to spend. Retailers also believe sales will improve as temperatures drop and lift the holiday spirit.

"Downright balmy temperatures have prompted more people to spend time outdoors than in stores," Quaremba said. "Golf shirts may sell better than sweaters if this weather continues."

While the Council's survey found surprising strength among small and independent merchants throughout the state, reports from New York City showed sales noticeably weaker in comparison to the rest of the state. At a news conference on Dec. 2 in New York City, Quaremba joined U.S. Senator Charles Schumer of New York in urging federal lawmakers to include a 10-day sales-taxfree shopping holiday in the economic stimulus package now under consideration in Washington.

"Tax-free shopping would be an important and enduring catalyst for the city, state, and national economies," Quaremba said.

"Retailers are focused on gearing up to entice shoppers into stores for the remainder of the season with continued sales and ad campaigns as well as promotions and incentives such as free shipping," said Quaremba. "Merchants know this past week is traditionally slow, as shoppers refresh themselves after the post-Thanksgiving rush."