Independent retailers had a strong October, with same-store sales growing 3.7% year-over-year, the latest NRSInsights showed. That report is based on sales data and analytics drawn from retail transactions processed through the National Retail Solutions (NRS) point-of-sale (POS) platform by independent retailers mainly in urban settings.
As of Oct. 31, that network consisted of roughly 33,100 active terminals scanning purchases at approximately 28,900 independent retailers including convenience stores, bodegas, liquor stores, grocers, tobacco and sundries sellers nationwide.
“The NRS network had a strong October 2024, generating year-over-year same store sales growth of 3.7%, with all but three states (Idaho, North Dakota and Colorado) increasing sales,” said Suzy Silliman, SVP, Data Strategy and Sales at NRS. “Sequentially, sales declined a slight 0.5% consistent with seasonal trends. Hurricane Milton, which might have been expected to negatively impact sales, did not. Sales in both North and South Carolina increased significantly year over year and sequentially.
“Beverage sales, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, were exceptionally robust. October, due to Halloween parties and other seasonal celebrations, is typically a strong month for beverages, and the year-over-year growth was exceptional this October. Energy beverages, which had suffered six consecutive months of year-over-year sales declines through September, broke trend to achieve modest year-over-year dollar sales gains.”
Click here for more from the NRSInsights report.
Family Legacy, New Chapter: How Wilkerson Turns 89 Years of History Into Future Success
After 89 years of serving the Albany community, Harold Finkle Your Jeweler faced a pivotal decision. For third-generation owner Justin Finkle, the demanding hours of running a small business were taking precious time away from his young family. "After 23 years, I decided this was the time for me," Finkle explains. But closing a business with nearly nine decades of inventory and customer relationships isn't something easily managed alone.
Wilkerson's comprehensive approach transformed this challenging transition into a remarkable success story. Their strategic planning handled everything from advertising and social media to inventory management and staffing — elements that would overwhelm most jewelers attempting to navigate a closing sale independently.
The results speak volumes. "Wilkerson gave us three different tiers of potential goals," Finkle notes. "We've reached that third tier, that highest goal already, and we still have two weeks left of the sale." The partnership didn't just meet financial objectives—it exceeded them ahead of schedule.
