Easter Shift Holds Back Same-Store Sales in March
The shift in the Easter calendar hindered the possibilities of improving sales after three weeks of slow sales. Week 5's sales almost brought March even last year but, this year the story is different as the holiday week got pushed a couple of weeks into April 2019.
Independent grocers reported that their same-store sales were down 10.59 percent during week 5 compared to the same period in 2018. Customer count also down 6.81 percent for this week.
The full effect of the variable Easter holiday has taken place. However, as we approach the holiday week this year, independent grocers should see an upswing in their same-store sales and customer count.
Overall March sales were down 3.34 percent compared to last year and the customer count also took a hit this month decreasing 1.19 percent versus 2018.