U.S. Store Sales Mixed This Week

We find both positive and negative turns in store sales this morning, as the ICSC-Goldman reports an increase in year over year growth to 2.8%, from 2.4% Y/Y last week, and the Redbook reports a decrease in Y/Y growth down to 1.6%, from 2.3% Y/Y last week.

Goldman notes that gas shortages in California have been hurting shoppers, but that cold weather in the Midwest is boosting seasonal demand.

Redbook cites the cold weather as a positive as well, but adds that the U.S. Presidential debate kept shoppers at home Wednesday. They also point out that Halloween falls on a Wednesday this year vs. a Monday last year, possibly pushing some related sales into November.