Men's and women's sportswear are still selling well. Sales of major appliances are also robust, but some weakness is evident in sales of personal computers, toys, and certain home items. Inventories are described as normal for this time of year, and District retailers are now increasing stocks in preparation for the holiday shopping season. Retailers say they have not experienced any substantial price increases recently. In fact, they note price declines in consumer electronics goods.
Retail businesses appear to be proliferating in the region.
An electronics chain plans five store openings in Ohio and one in Pittsburgh this year. A major mall, with a capacity of about 130 stores and about 3,000 jobs, opened this month in northeast Ohio. It is expected to attract between 150,000 and 200,000 customers weekly. The impact of the Canadian Auto Workers' strike against General Motors has been difficult to gauge. Layoffs are minimal as stockpiles have been generally sufficient to maintain regular production.