National chain-store sales rose 5.4 percent during Christmas week compared with a year ago, according to Redbook Research’s latest indicator, released Tuesday.
Sales in the first four weeks of December were up 4.7 percent from last year, just missing the target of a 4.8 percent gain, according to the Johnson Redbook Sales Index.
On a monthly basis, Redbook said sales fell 0.5 percent from November, compared with a target of a 0.4 percent drop.
Redbook noted that sales during Christmas week, the fourth week in December, were above target for most retailers. Most of the week’s business was done on the days immediately before and after Christmas.
As profit margins continue to be squeezed in a highly promotional environment, post-Christmas clearance has become more of a focus for retailers hoping to attract customers who are already in stores to return or exchange Christmas gifts.
Retailers are banking on lower gas prices and gift-card redemptions to lift December’s results.
