Storm dulls Yule store sales

NEW YORK — The snowstorm that moved up along the Northeast coast this weekend took a toll on holiday sales at the nation's stores, but business increased on the Web, as consumers shopped from home.

For the week ended Saturday, total retail sales were down 3.3 percent from the same week a year ago, according to ShopperTrak, which tallies sales at 30,000 retail outlets.

The year-ago period was also affected by winter weather, although less severe than the storm that crippled much of New York and New England.

Meanwhile, Visa USA reported that retail purchases on Visa cards had a 7 percent increase over the year-ago period, but daily growth fluctuated due to the snowstorm. On Thursday, total volume jumped 22 percent as consumers prepared for the storm. E-commerce continued to show steady growth as online purchases made on Visa debit and credit cards increased by 50 percent in dollar volume from a year ago.

The Washington-based National Retail Federation downplayed the storm's importance.

"There is always going to be a tailoff after Black Friday," said Scott B. Krugman, a company spokesman. "This past weekend was hurt a little bit by the storm, but we expect to see a spike in Internet sales. There is plenty of time for stores to make up the business."

Target Corp. said late Monday that same-store sales last week for the overall company and for its namesake discount division were below plan because of the stormy weather.

Same-store sales are sales at stores opened at least a year, and are considered the best indicator of a retailer's health.

The company is planning for a 5 to 7 percent increase in same-store sales for the discount division. Same-store sales for the total corporation, which also includes Marshall Field's and Mervyn's, are projected to be one percentage point lower.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, said Monday in a pre-recorded message that same-store sales are on track to meet the company's goal of a 3 to 5 percent gain for December. Strongest categories included office supplies, toys, food and pharmacy, the company said.