Holiday Promos Boost November Sales

Retail sales increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted over October and 3.2 percent unadjusted from November 2013 (not including automobiles, gasoline stations or restaurants). These gains were consistent with the NRF's holiday sales forecast, which anticipates an increase of 4.1 percent over last year.

Clothing and accessories, electronics and appliances, general merchandise, health and personal care, sporting goods and online retailers all saw increases both month-to-month and year-over-year. While furniture and home furnishings stores saw increases from October, sales were down .4 percent from last year.

“Consumer trends show that the shopping experience continues to evolve for both retailers and consumers,” says Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer, NRF. “Shoppers this holiday season are seizing opportunities to take