Ad numbers continued their upward trend, still 14% below this week last year but nearing the normal range. Five percent of regularly reported stores again held to their Covid-19 strategy and withheld ads due to the crisis. Fortunately, looting and rioting have abated in most areas which doubtlessly allowed retailers some relief. Produce sales are strong and fortunately the influx of summer fruits and vegetables allows stores to keep up with demand.
Ads this week focused on Fathers Day and summer goodness. Yellow and zucchini squashes, seedless cucumbers, corn, cherries, watermelons, cantaloupe, peaches, nectarines, and strawberries were heavily featured. Organic produce was very well promoted.
Total ad numbers this week were 303,466, a 3% increase from last weeks 294,839. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 189,833 (63% of all ads), onions and potatoes 17,179 (6%), vegetables 94,853 (31%), herbs 868, and ornamentals 733.
The number of ads for organic produce was 47,842, 16% of total ads.
