Reports: Retail Sales Stong Last Week

The positive effects of low gasoline prices are evident in ICSC-Goldman's same-store sales tally for the October 25 week, up 0.3 percent week-to-week and up 2.8 percent year-on-year vs 2.1 percent in the prior week. The report describes the week's sales as "strong" and notes that receding gas prices should "strongly benefit" the holiday shopping season.

Store sales were strong in the October 25 week, Redbook whose same-store sales index rose to a year-on-year plus 4.4 percent from plus 4.1 percent in the prior week. Redbook cites strength in Halloween merchandise including adult costumes. It notes that this year's later Halloween, falling on a Friday this year vs a Thursday last year, should lead to more parties and more sales this year. Redbook also notes strength in seasonal clothing. Month-over-month, Redbook's tally is tracking at a plus 0.3 percent gain vs September to offer an early signal of strength for the ex-auto ex-gas reading of the October retail sales report.