By Mark Pender
NEW YORK (MNI) – MNI’s U.S. retail trade indicator slowed a slight
seven tenths in the April 21 period to a 65.2 level that is still far
over 50 and to indicate strong growth in year-on-year business activity,
according to the results of MNI’s weekly survey released Monday.
Total sales are a year-on-year +4.8% with same-store sales at an
especially solid +4.0%.
When adjusted at the current sales rates, MNI’s sample offers an
early indication of a +0.5% headline for the government’s April retail
sales report.
The sample so far in April shows special strength in electronics &
appliance stores as well as general merchandise stores. Early
indications point to a drag from gasoline stations.
Despite the strong sales rates, income growth for MNI’s sample is
only moderate at a year-on-year +5.0%.
Sample size in the period is 141 chains for a total of 149,900
separate retail locations.
Editor’s Note: MNI compiles its retail trade index 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$]
