Consumer retail spending returns to peak

[30ashopper]

On a monthly basis, retail sales increased 0.3% from December to January(seasonally adjusted, after revisions), and sales were up 7.8% from January 2010.

This graph shows retail sales since 1992. This is monthly retail sales, seasonally adjusted (total and ex-gasoline).

Retail sales are up 13.7% from the bottom, and now 0.4% above the pre-recession peak.

The second graph shows the year-over-year change in retail sales (ex-gasoline) since 1993.

Retail sales ex-gasoline increased by 7.1% on a YoY basis (7.8% for all retail sales). This was below expectations for a 0.5% increase. Retail sales ex-autos were up 0.3%; also below expectations of a 0.5% increase. Although lower than expected, retail sales are now above the pre-recession peak in November 2007.

Calculated Risk: Summary for Week ending February 19th

There's a nice set of graphs in there showing the trend. So with restricted credit, where's the money coming from? I'd guess the savings rate has fallen again. I doubt this will end well.

 

[30ashopper]

The Stealth Return of $100 Oil - WSJ.com

Also, oil just topped $100 per barrel, which dampens retail purchases and jacks up production costs.

Do I smell a short term stock/spending bubble here?

 

[DuneAHH]

OK I want to know what everyone is spending more on?

The ONLY things I'm spending MORE $ on YOY are groceries and utilities (despite ongoing strategies to continue lowering those along with every other thing I 'consume').

 

[30ashopper]

OK I want to know what everyone is spending more on?

The ONLY things I'm spending MORE $ on YOY are groceries and utilities (despite ongoing strategies to continue lowering those along with every other thing I 'consume').

Imported plastic junk from WalMart probably, if the past serves as a good example. :roll:

 

[poppy]

Imported plastic junk from WalMart probably, if the past serves as a good example. :roll:

Wrong again shopper, the average Joe is trying to pay rent and buy food for the family .

Luxury Brands Are Back In Style as America's Wealthy Return to Their Wears - Money Morning

 

[30ashopper]

Wrong again shopper, the average Joe is trying to pay rent and buy food for the family .

Luxury Brands Are Back In Style as America's Wealthy Return to Their Wears - Money Morning

I don't remember being wrong about much of anything, ever. :scratch::lie:

 

[poppy]

I don't remember being wrong about much of anything, ever. :scratch::lie:

No $hit, You're memory is selective so why am I not surprised. (and once again I refrain from using that stupid laughing smiley)

 

[scooterbug44]

OK I want to know what everyone is spending more on?

The ONLY things I'm spending MORE $ on YOY are groceries and utilities (despite ongoing strategies to continue lowering those along with every other thing I 'consume').

I've been buying stuff at Goodwill and having fun at yardsales, but I don't think that's driving the numbers up.

 

[DuneAHH]

Imported plastic junk from WalMart probably, if the past serves as a good example. :roll:

Hearsay and assumption darling!
In my personal court you are 'entitled' to such... but sadly, logic nor past precedence meets the criterion of admissable 'personal knowledge evidence' in the judicial system!;-)

 

[Mango]

February is clearance sale month and there have been some phenomenal bargains. I've been picking up holiday gifts for next year at a fraction of what they originally cost; better than Black Friday deals. Maybe that is what people are doing. It says retail sales are up, it doesn't necessarily mean retailers are making money. Couple that with the wealthy still buying art and jewelry, sales are up.