By Mark Pender
NEW YORK (MNI) – MNI’s U.S. retail trade index edged back slightly
in the Nov. 13 period to a 58.3 reading that reflects widely distributed
on-year strength in the sector, according to the results of Market News
International’s weekly survey published Monday.
Total sales are unchanged for the third straight period at on-year
+4.1% with same-store sales rising slightly to +2.4%.
Slowing continues for income, at +6%. Distribution is an offset as
nearly half of the 228-chain sample are posting gains of 10%-plus.
Sales guidance had been pointing to incremental declines for
comparisons, but guidance now points to an extension of current on-year
rates through year-end.
There will be plenty of fresh guidance this week. About 75 chains
are scheduled to post statements including Wal-Mart (WMT), Sears (SHLD),
Home Depot (HD) and Lowe’s (LOW).
Editor’s Note: MNI compiles its retail trade index based on a
weekly sample of company news and data.
** Market News International New York Newsroom: 212-669-6430 **
[TOPICS: MDURE$,MT$$$$,M$U$$$,M$UEQ$,MAUDS$]
