On the pre-holiday week, from December 16 to 22, shopping centers were visited by fewer buyers, which led to a decline in sales compared to last year's figures, according to Chicago-based analytical firm ShopperTrak. Attendance of stores fell by 21%, and sales decreased by 3.1%.
"Bad weather throughout the country kept customers from shopping. Last week was the last opportunity to make holiday purchases before Christmas. Retailers did not see as many buyers as last year, although many still completed their purchases, "said Bill Martin, founder of ShopperTrak.
Despite the greater number of discounts and promotions, sales on "Super Saturday" (Dec. 21) fell by 0.7%, and consumer traffic in stores - by 18% compared to last year.
"These figures are quite frightening," Martin commented in an interview cited by Bloomberg.