Future Strength In Retail Sales?

A common view from pundits on the strength in retail sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday is much of the increase represented consumers buying forward. In other words, the common take on the strong sales report was it likely won't continue into December. If history is any guide, the below chart might indicate additional retail sales growth is likely for the balance of the weeks leading up to Christmas.

From The Blog of HORAN Capital Advisors

The dollar value of total cyber sales increased 22% versus last year and dollars spent per buyer increased 9%.

From The Blog of HORAN Capital Advisors

Since consumers account for 70% of GDP, these retail sales figures suggest Q4 GDP could surprise on the upside.

Source:

comScore
Cyber Monday Spending Hits $1.25 Billion to Rank
as Heaviest U.S. Online Spending Day in History
November 29, 2011
http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2011/11/Cyber_Monday_Spending_Hits_1.25_Billion