By Mark Pender
NEW YORK (MNI) – MNI’s U.S. retail trade index slipped back more
than one point in the Sept. 25 period to 59.6, a still strong reading
that points to a solid retail sales report for September, according to
the results of Market News International’s weekly survey.
Total ex-auto ex-gas sales are at an on-year +3.9% with same-store
sales at +2.3%.
Readings are in line with trend which is all that’s needed for a
solid September, one that will benefit from favorable seasonal
adjustments relative to August and looks to benefit from a
month-to-month bounce back for car sales.
The data point to a +0.5% headline, one that would reaffirm
strength in the consumer sector. In an offset, no change, at least as
yet, is indicated for either the ex-auto or ex-auto ex-gas categories.
As a group, chains are sticking to guidance for slow deceleration
to year-end, to same-store sales growth of only +1.0%.
Income is steady at a moderate on-year +10%. Sample size in the
latest four-week rolling period is 114 chains making up 107,500 separate
U.S. retail locations.
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$]
