U.S. Chain-Store Sales Jump 4.1 Percent in October

Getting a clear picture of the state of the American retail industry can be tricky, but a recent survey shows a clear rise for last month.

In an encouraging sign of the health of the American economy, U.S. chain-store sales rose 4.1 percent in October from a year earlier, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

The figures appear to indicate that “sales trends are seemingly back on track,” said Michael P. Niemira, vice president of research and chief economist for ICSC.

“Overall, the monthly gain is encouraging for retailers, as we head into the important holiday shopping period,” he said. “It would appear that the consumer has come back, just at the right time.”

ICSC also released the results of a consumer poll commissioned along with Goldman Sachs. It shows that while more retailers are opting to open up their doors on Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday remains the big day for shoppers, according to the report.

Of those surveyed, 46 percent said that they plan to shop on Black Friday.

Another major shopping day is Cyber Monday, with 42 percent of those surveyed saying they plan to shop online that day.

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is also likely to be busy, with 34 percent of consumers stating that they plan to shop on the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving.