WASHINGTON (MNI) – The following is the commentary from the
ICSC-Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Snapshot released Wednesday:
After 15 weeks of hotter than normal weather, the arrival of cooler
weather provided a much needed spark to consumer spending. As a result,
retailers finally saw their weekly chain store sales rise once again.
According to the ICSC and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index,
for the week ending September 11, weekly sales rose by 0.8 percent
overall. On a year-over-year basis, sales improved and rose to 2.6
percent.
“A recent bout of seasonally cool weather finally provided the lift
in seasonal demand for fall and back-to-school apparel spending which
retailers were waiting for,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of
research and chief economist. “Overall, sales for September are on track
for an industry-wide increase of about.3.0 percent,” Niemira added.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: MAUDT$,MAUDS$,M$U$$$]
