US DATA: Redbook sales for Mar 26 wk: “remains below target with
one more week to run in the month. By format, discount stores were
somewhat ahead of plan month-to-date, while department stores were below
plan. Consumers began spending for spring, which officially began on
March 20th. Students on spring break during this period also helped to
give sales and traffic an extra boost. In the coming weeks retailers are
hoping that extra cash from income tax refunds will spark sales” but
comparisons are tough against an earlier Easter last yr.
–
Year-over-year: Week (w/e 03/26/11 vs year-ago) 2.6%
Year-over-year: Month (March 2011 vs March 2010) 2.3%
Month-over-month: (March 2011 vs February 2011) -0.3%