California Business Minute™

The California Redevelopment Association, CRA provides legislative
advocacy, professional development and public education.  In support
of its members it responds to legislative proposals and administrative
regulations.

For further information, contact us www.calredevelop.org or at 916-448-8760

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

The U.S. Census Bureau released the advanced estimates of the U.S. retail
and food services sales for November, adjusted for seasonal variation and
holiday and trading-day difference, but not for price changes, were $352.1
billion an increased of 1.3 percent (+/-0.5%) from the previous month of
October 2009, and an increase of 1.9 percent (+/-0.5%) above November 2008
at $345.5 billion.

A glimmer of hope has extended itself now over three months as retail sales
strength continues to slightly grow.  The increases were seen in automobile
sales, electronics and appliances, food and beverage stores, health and
personal care products, sporting goods and general merchandise.  However,
decreases in sales were seen in building materials, furniture and home
furnishings.

Preliminary data illustrates that much of this growth occurred on Internet
sales as the Monday after Thanksgiving, known in the retailing circles as
‘Cyber Monday’ saw a significant increase help buoying the sales figures
for the month.

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.