Consumers Are Returning To Stores.

In the past week, consumers have returned to mass retail stores at a pace resembling the normal customer traffic rates in the spring and summer, according to the International Mass Retail Association. IMRA members report that customer traffic and sales are improving now, just over two weeks after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

“Mass retailers stand out from other retailers because they are seeing a return to normalcy in sales and customer traffic. Their customers are coming back to buy essential products at good prices,” said IMRA President Robert J. Verdisco.

“Other retailers may predict a dismal future, and unfortunately the news media seem blinded by that pervasive mentality. Mass retailers are a bright spot on the economic horizon. They are basically upbeat and are looking forward to steady sales, especially around Halloween and the holidays. Their stores offer what people need year-round and particularly during this very trying time for our nation — good value, wide selection, convenience.”

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi’s September 25 Weekly Chain Store Sales Snapshot noted that despite an overall drop in sales for all types of chain stores, “the sales decline obscured some snapback at the nation’s discounters as customers continued to focus on value and staples — such as food and pharmacy.”

“We believe that people are anxious to return to the marketplace,” said Mr. Verdisco. “President Bush has called on all Americans for their continued participation and confidence in the American economy. IMRA believes that our economy will recover if all of us — every citizen and every company — will dispel their fears and embrace our power to control our economic destiny.

“IMRA and our members are pleased to report that Americans are responding to the President’s message by returning to our stores. The collective power of consumers is truly astounding, and this power will contribute to our nation’s strength.”

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