NRF: Retail container traffic to dip in November

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 11/10/2011 11:21:54 AM

With most holiday season merchandise already en route to store shelves, import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports has started to decline, resulting in a softer year-over-year forecast for November by the National Retail Federation.

The monthly Global Port Tracker report, released today and produced by NRF and consulting firm Hackett Associates, is 1.9% below the same month last year.

"As always, retailers are being very strategic with their supply chains," said Jonathan Gold, NRF vp for supply chain and customs policy. "Although sales are expected to be in line with the 10-year average, retailers are keeping inventory levels extremely lean and filling their stores wall-to-wall with discounts and promotions. Unlike in 2008, when the financial crisis caught everyone off-guard, retailers have a strong understanding of the consumer mindset this Christmas."

Global Port Tracker covers the U.S. ports of: Long Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston and Savannah on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast.