Retailers report steep sales declines in October

NEW YORK — The nation's retailers saw their sales plummet last month to what is likely the weakest October level in decades, as the financial crisis and mounting layoffs left shoppers too scared to shop.

The stunning drop-off from an already weak September performance is further darkening the outlook for the holiday season and dimming hopes for any industry recovery until at least the second half of next year.

As merchants reported their dismal sales figures Thursday, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, proved to be among the few bright spots as it benefits from shoppers focusing on buying basics at discounters.

Most other stores, from luxury merchants to teen retailers, suffered steep sales declines as consumers were spooked by shrinking retirement funds, volatile markets and layoffs across many industries. The number of people continuing to receive jobless benefits reached its highest level in more than 25 years, according to government figures released Thursday.

Even warehouse club operator Costco Wholesale Corp., which sells items like TVs along with basics, posted disappointing results.

"Wal-Mart's solid performance is reflective of the weakness in consumer spending," said Ken Perkins, president of research company RetailMetrics LLC. "As soon as the financial crisis hit, consumers spending dropped dramatically. ... Consumer spending ground to a halt in October."

According to Thomson Reuters' preliminary sales tally for October, nine retailers beat estimates and one merchant met expectations, while 13 missed projections. The tally is based on same-store sales, or sales at stores opened at least a year, which are considered a key indicator of a retailer's health.

Wal-Mart, which has seen its aggressive discounting resonate with shoppers, posted a 2.4 percent gain in same-store sales, beating Wall Street projections for a 1.6 percent gain. The results exclude sales from fuel. Including fuel sales, same-store sales rose 2.5 percent.

At Sam's Club, its warehouse club division, fresh food, dry groceries and other consumables were strong. Weaker categories included electronics, jewelry and home-related products, the company said.

Wal-Mart predicted that same-store sales for its overall U.S. stores will be up from 1 percent to 3 percent in November.

Target Corp. which has lagged behind Wal-Mart in recent months because of its heavier emphasis on nonessentials posted a 4.8 percent drop, worse than the 2.8 percent decline that analysts had expected.