By Mark Pender
NEW YORK (MNI) – MNI’s U.S. retail trade index accelerated slightly
in the February 18 period, up seven tenths to a 63.4 level that’s well
over breakeven 50 to indicate strong growth in year-on-year business
activity, according to the results of Market News International’s weekly
survey released Tuesday.
Total sales growth is unchanged for a fourth straight period at a
year-on-year +5.0%. Same-store sales growth slowed two tenths to 3.6%.
These readings are strong but will have to strengthen further to
offset what are tough government seasonal factors for February, factors
that aren’t as favorable as those for January.
When adjusted MNI’s data point to a -0.5% print for the
government’s retail sales headline for February.
Income for MNI’s sample is a respectable +7% year-on-year. Sample
size in the period is 191 chains for a total of 203,000 separate stores.
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 **
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