The average sales volume at stores on election day yesterday was double the daily average, and reached NIS 100 per square meter. The average daily sales volume was NIS 50 in the three weeks that preceded the elections. The figures were compiled by RIS System for mall ratings from actual sales proceeds at 800 stores of fashion, books, jewelry, gifts, opticians, office equipment, and other retail chains.
Large malls saw average sales volume on election day increased by 132% to NIS 140 per square meter from NIS 60 per square meter. Yesterday's stormy weather further boosted traffic at indoor malls, while average sales volume at strip malls rose by only 70% to NIS 50 per square meter from NIS 30 per square meter.
Although retailers were satisfied with yesterday's proceeds, yesterday's election day sales were 8% less than on the last election day in March 2006.
The Kirion Mall in Kiryat Bialik had the greatest increase in sales proceeds yesterday, at 200% compared with the daily average. The Modi'in Mall saw its first ever sell-out day, with a 200% increase in sales proceeds. Especially heavy sales were recorded at the Kanyon Hazahav in Rishon LeZion (190% over the daily average), the Givatayim Mall (up 175%), the Rananim Mall in Ra'anana (up 174%), the Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv (up 167%), the Holon Mall (up 165%), and the Grand Kanyon in Haifa, the Ayalon Mall in Ramat Gan, and the Bat Yam Mall (up 160%).
Stores in downtown Jerusalem saw only half their daily average sales proceeds, because of the stormy weather and because many businesses did not open at all.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 11, 2009
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