By Mark Pender
NEW YORK (MNI) – MNI’s U.S. retail trade indicator slowed by 2.7
points in the Sept. 29 period to 60.3, still 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 +4.9%, are trending at a three-month
high. Same-store sales, at +2.5%, are softening slightly but are still
trending a little above August.
When adjusted for a monthly comparison, MNI’s data are pointing to
a +0.7% headline for the government’s September retail sales headline
with ex-auto sales also at +0.7%.
Ex-auto ex-gas is indicated at a very strong +0.8%.
Building materials and general merchandise are showing the most
strength with restaurants showing the least strength.
Commentary from the sample is upbeat with income growth steady at a
solid +8%.
Sample size in the period is 146 chains representing 178,100
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$]
