2009 Archives

Release Date: December 29, 2009 

Phone: 954-893-7300

Fax: 954-893-7500

E-mail: are@retailenvironments.org

Many economic indexes showed small improvements, although the Commerce Department continued to adjust downward its final tally of Gross Domestic Product in the third quarter. The latest revision dropped the GDP gain to 2.2% from 2.8% and the original estimate of a 3.5% jump. However, the Federal Reserve said the nation’s industrial production rose 0.8% in November, and the Commerce Department reported new durable goods orders that month inched up 0.2%. The Conference Board survey of leading economic indicators also rose 0.9% in November. The nation’s unemployment rate remained troublesome at 10%.

LUMBER PRICES. The Bureau of Labor Statistics producer price index showed overall lumber price index in November at an index of 153.1 (1982 equals 100), up from 150.7 the previous month, but down from 156.7 a year ago. Hardwood lumber was an index of 174.0, up from 172.3 for the preceding month, but down from 180.3 for the same month a year ago. Millwork prices were at index of 205.2, down slightly down from 205.8 the previous month and down from 205.8 for the same period a year ago.

FIXTURE LABOR FORCE. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage in the fixture and furniture industry in November was $14.99 an hour, down from a revised $15.03 the previous month, but up from $14.77 an hour a year ago. The average work week of non-supervisor workers was 38.3 hours, up from 37.9 the previous month, and up from 37.0 hours a year ago.

NEW STORE CONSTRUCTION. As partially reflected in Commerce Department figures on new commercial construction excluding office and hotels, new stores were part of the $4.42 billion annual rate value of retail and non-office commercial construction in October, down from a revised $4.69 billion the previous month, and down from $7.22 billion for the same month a year ago.

RETAIL SALES. Seasonally adjusted retail sales (excluding automotive) in November totaled 292.14 billion, up from a revised $288.61 billion for the previous month, and up from $288.50 billion for the same month a year ago. Unadjusted retail sales were $293.32, up from $288.01 billion for the previous month, and up from $289.98 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted department store sales totaled $15.75 billion, up slightly from $15.65 the previous month, but down from $16.52 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted apparel and clothing store sales totaled $17.48 billion, down slightly from $17.60 the previous month, but up from $17.32 billion for the same month a year ago.

Release Date: November 30, 2009 

Phone: 954-893-7300

Fax: 954-893-7500

E-mail: are@retailenvironments.org

The Commerce Department revised its earlier tally of the third quarter GDP downward to a 2.8% rise, instead of the previous 3.5% jump. New durable goods orders in October followed this pattern, dipping 0.6%, the second consecutive month of a decline. The Federal Reserve, however, reported that the nation’s total industrial production in October rose 0.1%, although it was 7.1% below the same month last year. The Conference Board said the survey of leading economic indicators was up 0.3% in October, while the index of consumer confidence rose to 49.5 from 48.7. Sales of existing homes in October soared 10.1%, the highest since February 2007. Sales of new homes was also up 6.2% and 5.1% above the same month a year ago.

LUMBER PRICES. The Bureau of Labor Statistics producer price index showed overall lumber price index in October at an index of 150.7 (1982 equals 100), down from 152.0 the previous month, and down from 159.4 for the same month a year ago. Hardwood lumber was at an index of 172.3, up from 171.6 for the preceding month, but down from 181.2 for the same month a year ago. Millwork prices were at index of 205.8, the same as the preceding month, but down from 206.1 for the same period a year ago.

FIXTURE LABOR FORCE. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage in the fixture and furniture industry in October was $15.18 an hour, down from a revised $15.25 the previous month, but up from $14.55 an hour a year ago. The average work week of non-supervisor workers was 37.7 hours, up slightly from 37.5 the previous month, and up from 37.3 hours a year ago.

NEW STORE CONSTRUCTION. As partially reflected in Commerce Department figures on new commercial construction excluding office and hotels, new stores were part of the $4.90 billion annual rate value of retail and non-office commercial construction in September, the same as a revised $4.90 billion the previous month, but down from $7.44 billion for the same month a year ago.

RETAIL SALES. Seasonally adjusted retail sales (excluding automotive) in October totaled 288.47 billion, up slightly from a revised $287.81 billion for the previous month, but down from $296.14 billion for the same month a year ago. Unadjusted retail sales were $289.29, up from $276.08 billion for the previous month, but down from $296.50 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted department store sales totaled $15.60 billion, up slightly from $15.56 the previous month, but down from $16.07 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted apparel and clothing store sales totaled $17.65 billion, up slightly from $17.58 the previous month, and up from $17.38 billion for the same month a year ago.

Release Date: October 28, 2009 

Phone: 954-893-7300

Fax: 954-893-7500

E-mail: are@retailenvironments.org

Some economic indexes were positive in September, but consumer confidence dropped sharply—most likely due to continuing high unemployment. The Federal Reserve reported the nation’s manufacturing rose 0.7 in September, and the Commerce Department said new durable goods orders jumped 1.08%. The Conference Board survey of leading economic indicators also rose 1%. Despite these signs, the index of consumer confidence fell to 47.7 in October, down from 53.4 the previous month. Sales of existing homes surged 9.4% in September, the highest in two years, sparked by lower home prices and the government’s tax credit for first time home buyers. However, sales of new homes fell 3.6%.

LUMBER PRICES. The Bureau of Labor Statistics producer price index showed overall lumber price index in September at an index of 152.0 (1982 equals 100), down from 153.8 the previous month, and down from 166.7 for the same month a year ago. Hardwood lumber was at an index of 171.6, up from 170.3 for the preceding month, but down from 181.7 for the same month a year ago. Millwork prices were at index of 205.8, almost the same as 205.7 the preceding month, and 205.7 for the same period a year ago.

FIXTURE LABOR FORCE. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage in the fixture and furniture industry in September was $15.34 an hour, up from a revised $15.13 the previous month, and up from $14.54 an hour a year ago. The average work week of non-supervisor workers was 36.9 hours, down from 38.1 the previous month, and down from 37.8 hours a year ago.

NEW STORE CONSTRUCTION. As partially reflected in Commerce Department figures on new commercial construction excluding office and hotels, new stores were part of the $4.98 billion annual rate value of retail and non-office commercial construction in August, up slightly from a revised $4.89 billion the previous month, but down from $7.58 billion for the same month a year ago.

RETAIL SALES. Seasonally adjusted retail sales (excluding automotive) in September totaled $288.45 billion, up from a revised $287.12 billion for the previous month, but down from $303.39 billion for the same month a year ago. Unadjusted retail sales were $277.51, down from $291.66 billion for the previous month, and down from $291.23 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted department store sales totaled $15.66 billion, up slightly from $15.59 the previous month, but down from $16.26 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted apparel and clothing store sales totaled $17.48 billion, up slightly from $17.39 the previous month, but down from $17.71 billion for the same month a year ago.

Release Date: September 29, 2009 

Phone: 954-893-7300

Fax: 954-893-7500

E-mail: are@retailenvironments.org

Economic signs were mixed as the economy struggles to get back on its feet. The Federal Reserve said industrial production was up 0.8% in August, but the Commerce Department reported that new orders for durable goods fell 2.4% for the second decrease in three months. New home construction was up 1.5% in August, but sales of existing homes fell 2.7%. Worker productivity in the second quarter was up 6.6%, the biggest gain in six years. However, much of this increase was due to companies trimming labor forces and remaining staffs having to work harder. The index of consumer confidence fell to 53.1 from 54.5 in August. The index of leading economic indicators rose 0.6% in August, following a 0.9% rise the previous month.

LUMBER PRICES. The Bureau of Labor Statistics producer price index showed overall lumber price index in August at an index of 153.8. (1982 equals 100), up from 151.2 the previous month, but down from 167.3 for the same month a year ago. Hardwood lumber was at an index of 170.3, up from 168.6 for the preceding month, but down from 183.2 for the same month a year ago. Millwork prices were at index of 205.7, up slightly from 205.4 the preceding month, and up slightly from 205.4 for the same period a year ago.

FIXTURE LABOR FORCE. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage in the fixture and furniture industry in August was $15.18 an hour, down slightly from a revised $15.21 the previous month, but up from $14.59 an hour a year ago. The average work week of non-supervisor workers was 38.2 hours, almost the same as 38.3 the previous month, but down from 38.8 hours a year ago.

NEW STORE CONSTRUCTION. As partially reflected in Commerce Department figures on new commercial construction excluding office and hotels, new stores were part of the $5.12 billion annual rate value of retail and non-office commercial construction in July, down slightly from a revised $5.19 billion the previous month, and down from $7.66 billion for the same month a year ago.

RETAIL SALES. Seasonally adjusted retail sales (excluding automotive) in August totaled $287.20 billion, up from a revised $284.19 billion for the previous month, but down from $306.26 billion for the same month a year ago. Unadjusted retail sales were $292.18, up slightly from $289.72 billion for the previous month, but down from $314.51 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted department store sales totaled $15.77 billion, up slightly from $15.41 the previous month, but down from $16.55 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted apparel and clothing store sales totaled $17.50 billion, almost the same as $17.10 the previous month, but down from $18.44 billion for the same month a year ago.

Release Date: August 27, 2009 

Phone: 954-893-7300

Fax: 954-893-7500

E-mail: are@retailenvironments.org

The Commerce Department affirmed that the Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter dipped only 1%, less than expected. The stabilizing trend is likely to continue in the current quarter, as new durable goods orders in July jumped 4.9%, the largest monthly increase since July, 2007, and industrial production rose 0.5% in the same month. New home sales in July shot up 9.6% and sales on existing homes rose 7.2%, the fastest pace in two years. Consumer confidence also rose in August to an index of 54.1, up from 47.4% a month earlier. The index of leading economic indicators also climbed 0.6% in July. The job market continues to be the biggest drag on the economy, and is expected to take some time before turning around.

LUMBER PRICES. The Bureau of Labor Statistics producer price index showed overall lumber price index in July at an index of 151.2. (1982 equals 100), up from 144.9 the previous month, but down from 166.9 for the same month a year ago. Hardwood lumber was at an index of 168.6, up from 167.3 for the preceding month, but down from 184.1 for the same month a year ago. Millwork prices were at index of 205.4, down slightly from 205.9 the preceding month, and almost even with 205.3 for the same period a year ago.

FIXTURE LABOR FORCE. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage in the fixture and furniture industry in July was $15.29 an hour, up from a revised $15.13 the previous month, and up from $14.52 an hour a year ago. The average work week of non-supervisor workers was 38.0 hours, down slightly from 38.2 the previous month, and down from 38.4 hours a year ago.

NEW STORE CONSTRUCTION. As partially reflected in Commerce Department figures on new commercial construction excluding office and hotels, new stores were part of the $5.50 billion annual rate value of retail and non-office commercial construction in June, up from a revised $5.29 billion the previous month, but down from $7.75 billion for the same month a year ago.
RETAIL SALES. Seasonally adjusted retail sales (excluding automotive) in July totaled $283.61 billion, down from a revised $285.21 billion for the previous month, and down from $310.01 billion for the same month a year ago. Unadjusted retail sales were $289.95, up slightly from $289.26 billion for the previous month, but down from $315.52 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted department store sales totaled $15.13 billion, down slightly from $15.37 the previous month, and down from $17.10 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted apparel and clothing store sales totaled $17.13 billion, almost the same as $17.03 the previous month, but down from $18.54 billion for the same month a year ago.

Release Date: July 29, 2009 

Phone: 954-893-7300

Fax: 954-893-7500

E-mail: are@retailenvironments.org

Housing showed glimmers of hope in June that the worst may be over. New home sales shot up 14%, one of the largest single monthly gains ever. New construction of homes jumped 3.6%, and sales of existing homes rose 3.6%. However, manufacturing indexes continued to drop. Durable goods sales fell 2.5% in June, and the Federal Reserve reported that industrial production was off 0.4%. Plant utilization fell to 68.0%, the lowest level since records started. Dogged by continuing unemployment numbers, consumer confidence index fell to 46.6 in June, down from an index of 49.3 a month earlier.

LUMBER PRICES. The Bureau of Labor Statistics producer price index showed overall lumber price index in June at an index of 144.9. (1982 equals 100), up from 143.8 the previous month, but down from 170.4 for the same month a year ago. Hardwood lumber was at an index of 167.3, down from 168.3 for the preceding month, and down from 185.4 for the same month a year ago. Millwork prices were at index of 205.9, up slightly from 205.7 the preceding month, and up from 204.9 for the same period a year ago.

FIXTURE LABOR FORCE. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage in the fixture and furniture industry in June was $15.15 an hour, up from a revised $15.01 the previous month, and up from $14.58 an hour a year ago. The average work week of non-supervisor workers was 38.6 hours, up from 37.7 the previous month, but down from 39.2 hours a year ago.

NEW STORE CONSTRUCTION. As partially reflected in Commerce Department figures on new commercial construction excluding office and hotels, new stores were part of the $5.34 billion annual rate value of retail and non-office commercial construction in May, down from a revised $5.50 billion the previous month, and down from $7.56 billion for the same month a year ago.
RETAIL SALES. Seasonally adjusted retail sales (excluding automotive) in June totaled $285.10 billion, up from a revised $284.19 billion for the previous month, but down from $309.55 billion for the same month a year ago. Unadjusted retail sales were $288.16, down from $294.73 billion for the previous month, and down from $310.31 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted department store sales totaled $15.44 billion, down slightly from $15.63 the previous month, and down from $17.03 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted apparel and clothing store sales totaled $17.36 billion, the same as the previous month, but down from $18.50 billion for the same month a year ago.

Release Date: June 29, 2009

Phone: 954-893-7300

Fax: 954-893-7500

E-mail: are@retailenvironments.org

Unemployment — expected to hit 10% — continues to be a severe drag on the economy. Some other indexes, however, continue to show some gains. The Commerce Department reported that new durable goods orders rose 1.8% in May, the third increase in four months. The Conference Board index of leading economic indicators also was up 1.2% in May, and the index of consumer confidence jumped up to 54.9 from 40.8 in May. A down side was the Federal Reserve report of industrial production falling 1.1% in May and factor utilization slipping to 68.3%. Sales of existing homes rose 2.4% in May and the first two-month consecutive gain since September 2005. New home sales, however, fell 0.6% and were down 32.8% from the same month a year ago.

LUMBER PRICES. The Bureau of Labor Statistics producer price index showed overall lumber price index in May at an index of 143.8 (1982 equals 100), down from 145.3 the previous month, and down from 169.1 for the same month a year ago. Hardwood lumber was at an index of 168.3, up from 167.4 for the preceding month, but down from 185.7 for the same month a year ago. Millwork prices were at index of 205.7, the same as the preceding month, but up from 204.6 for the same period a year ago.

FIXTURE LABOR FORCE. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage in the fixture and furniture industry in May was $14.99 an hour, up slightly from a revised $14.95 the previous month, but up from $14.48 an hour a year ago. The average work week of non-supervisor workers was 37.7 hours, up from 36.9 the previous month, but down from 38.5 hours a year ago.

NEW STORE CONSTRUCTION. As partially reflected in Commerce Department figures on new commercial construction excluding office and hotels, new stores were part of the $5.54 billion annual rate value of retail and non-office commercial construction in April, up from a revised $5.45 billion the previous month, but down from $7.33 billion for the same month a year ago.

RETAIL SALES. Seasonally adjusted retail sales (excluding automotive) in May totaled $284.71 billion, up from a revised $283.40 billion for the previous month, and down from $307.17 billion for the same month a year ago. Unadjusted retail sales were $295.62, up from $277.79 billion for the previous month, but down from $323.25 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted department store sales totaled $15.77 billion, down slightly from $15.88 the previous month, and down from $16.98 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted apparel and clothing store sales totaled $17.31 billion, up slightly from $17.23 the previous month, but down from $18.60 billion for the same month a year ago.

Release Date: May 28, 2009 

Phone: 954-893-7300

Fax: 954-893-7500

E-mail: are@retailenvironments.org

Some small glimmers of hope appeared in April business indexes. New durable goods sales rose 1.9% from the previous month, the second increase in three months. New home sales climbed 3.3% after five consecutive monthly declines. Sales of existing homes rose 2.9%. The Conference Board reported that its index of consumer confidence jumped to 54.9%, the highest level in eight months. The index of leading economic indicators was also up 1% in March, the first increase in seven months. A negative note was sounded by the Federal Reserve in reporting the nation’s industrial production dipped 0.5%. Plant utilization dropped to 69.1%, the lowest point since the Fed started record keeping in 1967.

LUMBER PRICES. The Bureau of Labor Statistics producer price index showed overall lumber price index in April at an index of 145.3 (1982 equals 100), up from 144.3 the previous month, but down from 162.8 for the same month a year ago. Hardwood lumber was at an index of 167.4, down from 168.5 for the preceding month and down from 187.3 for the same month a year ago. Millwork prices were at index of 205.7, down from 206.5 the preceding month, but up from 204.2 for the same period a year ago.

FIXTURE LABOR FORCE. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage in the fixture and furniture industry in April was $14.98 an hour, down from a revised $15.02 the previous month, but up from $14.45 an hour a year ago. The average work week of non-supervisor workers was 36.7 hours, down from 37.6 the previous month, and down from 38.3 hours a year ago.

NEW STORE CONSTRUCTION. As partially reflected in Commerce Department figures on new commercial construction excluding office and hotels, new stores were part of the $5.52 billion annual rate value of retail and non-office commercial construction in March, up from a revised $5.10 billion the previous month, but down from $6.98 billion for the same month a year ago.

RETAIL SALES. Seasonally adjusted retail sales (excluding automotive) in April totaled $282.28 billion, down from a revised $283.54 billion for the previous month, and down from $305.72 billion for the same month a year ago. Unadjusted retail sales were $278.36, up from $274.81 billion for the previous month, but down from $296.03 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted department store sales totaled $15.90 billion, down slightly from $15.94 the previous month, and down from $16.94 billion a year ago. Seasonally adjusted apparel and clothing store sales totaled $17.34 billion, down from $17.43 the previous month, and down from $18.55 billion for the same month a year ago.