Jan 22, 2010

Indie stores report better end-of-year salesBy Tom AbateSFGate.com

Independent stores nationwide seem to have done as well or better than the chain-dominated retail industry during the 2009 holidays, according to a survey issued Thursday.

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance in Washington, D.C., said sales were up 2.2 percent in November and December versus the same period in 2008 among roughly 1,800 independent businesses nationwide that took part in its survey.

By comparison, overall retail sales rose 1.1 percent on a year-over-year basis for the two-month holiday season, according to a National Retail Federation estimate based on Commerce Department data.

The institute survey is based on a small and self-selected sample dominated by independent merchants who are members of “buy local” campaigns organized in their areas.

Of the roughly 1,200 respondents who were part of groups, the institute said holiday sales rose 3 percent, versus 1 percent for independent merchants who were not part of such associations.

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