By Mark Pender
NEW YORK (MNI) – MNI’s U.S. retail trade indicator rose 1.7 points
in the Oct. 20 period to 61.5, well above breakeven 50 to indicate
strong growth in year-on-year business activity, according to the
results of MNI’s weekly survey released Monday.
Total sales, at a year-on-year +4.6%, are right at the four-week
average.
Same-store sales are at +2.7% which is one tenth above the
four-week average.
For the monthly comparison with September, MNI’s data are signaling
+0.2% for the government’s October retail sales headline.
General merchandise, gasoline stations, and electronics &
appliances are showing gains so far this month with building materials
and apparel showing monthly declines.
Growth overall is moderate and steady, and chains on net are
sticking to guidance.
Year-on-year income growth for the sample is solid, at +9% for a
two percentage point rise in the week and the best reading of the year.
Sample size in the period is 152 chains representing 198,800
separate retail locations.
Editor’s Note: MNI compiles its retail trade indicator based on a
weekly sample of company news and data.
** MNI New York Bureau: 212-669-6430 **
[TOPICS: MDURE$,MT$$$$,M$U$$$,M$UEQ$,MAUDS$]
