October Consumer Spending Growth up from September
ATLANTA, Nov. 18, 2013 – First Data Corporation, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, today released its First Data SpendTrend® analysis for Oct.1, 2013 through Oct. 30, 2013 compared to Oct.2, 2012 through Oct.31, 2012. SpendTrend tracks same-store consumer spending by credit, signature debit, PIN debit, EBT, closed-loop prepaid cards and checks at U.S. merchant locations.
Dollar volume growth in October was 6.8%, a healthy uptick from last month’s growth of 5.3% despite the political strife in Washington. The growth was supported by the onset of cooler temperatures, which drove sales of seasonal merchandise and early holiday advertising attracting shopper foot-traffic. The year-over-year gas price discount continued to widen. This negatively impacted overall spending growth. Gas Station dollar volume growth was -4.9% in October, the lowest growth seen since April 2013. However, strong growth in categories such as Food Services & Drinking places and Leisure, which saw growth of 7.8% and 9.9% helped offset some of that negative growth.
Retail dollar volume growth in October jumped to 5.6% compared to September’s 3.6% growth. Retail spending growth accelerated toward the end of the month as the government shutdown ended and shoppers regained confidence. All retail sub-categories saw positive year-over-year dollar volume growth.
Average ticket growth was 0.5% in October, up from September’s growth of -0.2%. The slowdown in Gas Station average tickets continued to offset the overall growth. Gas Station average ticket growth of -7.9% marked a twelve-month low. However, retail average ticket growth jumped to 1.8% from last month’s growth of 0.8% as discounting activity by retailers eased. Retailers focused on profits in October, as this period is an opportunity to plump up profits between the back-to-school and holiday seasons; periods where retailers may be forced to cut prices to win customers.
“Consumer spending growth gained momentum in October, which should provide retailers with an optimistic outlook heading into the holiday season”, said Krish Mantripragada, SVP, Information and Analytics Solutions, First Data. “Retailers should expect holiday spending to be modestly stronger compared to last year barring any number of external events that could negatively impact sales such as poor weather or geopolitical events at home or abroad.”
October Dollar Volume Growth CHANGE
Credit +7.7%
Signature Debit +6.0%
PIN Debit +6.2%
Check -4.8%
Prepaid +3.8%
Note: All transactions are same-store growth.
To view infographics showing October SpendTrend data, click here
For more information on First Data SpendTrend, visit www.spendtrend.com or call SpendTrend Customer Care at 800-430-0169.
To participate in the SpendTrend conversation, please follow First Data at http://twitter.com/spendtrend.
Around the world, every second of every day, First Data makes payment transactions secure, fast and easy for merchants, financial institutions and their customers. First Data leverages its vast product portfolio and expertise to drive client revenue and profitability. Whether the choice of payment is by debit or credit card, gift card, check or mobile phone, online or at the checkout counter, First Data takes every opportunity to go beyond the transaction. More information about the company is available on FirstData.com as well as on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
Media Contact
Cara Crifasi, First Data
303-967-6367
cara.crifasi@firstdata.com
First Data SpendTrend, a macro-economic indicator, is based on aggregate same-store sales activity in the First Data Point of Sale Network. First Data SpendTrend does not represent First Data’s financial performance.
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