Dollar stores see 17% sales increase vs. a year ago

Overall sales were flat in the first week of August, though sales remained up in select channels, particularly dollar stores ( 16% vs YA), restaurants ( 13%), and club ( 4%)

Gas and convenience stores saw the largest sales declines (-19%)

Consumers are making 17% more trips to dollar stores this year than last

Nearly all channels are seeing higher spend per unit, except for online (-15%), where shoppers are increasing volume sales on lower-priced goods

Sales of CPG products remain slightly above year-ago levels ( 4%), though the baby sector was the only one to see declining sales in recent weeks compared to last year (-8%)

Sales are down across all general merchandise categories (-14%), especially electronics (-18%) and toys (-20%)

General merchandise products also saw declines in spend per unit (-8%), units (-7%), and trips (-5%)