National retail sales keep climbing in November

Posted: 12:08 p.m. November 24, 2009

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Year-over-year retail sales grew 0.9 percent for the week ending Nov. 21 as national and local retailers tried to build holiday shopping momentum.

That National Retail Sales Estimate, released this morning, included the Veteran's Day holiday, which gave many shoppers an extra day to spend.

But during some years, spending declines during that holiday week, so the increase was interpreted to be a good sign for retailers.

“The minimal sales increase we saw last week seems encouraging as retailers prepare for the annual Black Friday rush,” said Bill Martin, co-founder of ShopperTrak, in a release.

“Although a good handful of retailers will be open on Thanksgiving Day this year, we don’t anticipate this will dilute the strength of Black Friday which will once again receive a huge boost behind early door buster sales and promotions.”