WASHINGTON (MNI) – The following is the text of the weekly retail
sales report released by Johnson Redbook Tuesday, for the month-to-date
through the week ended April 17:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 2.6% in the second
week of April following a 3.3% gain in the prior week. Month-to-date,
April was up 3.0% compared to April of last year (relative to a target
of a 2.8% gain). Month-over-month showed a 1.7% drop compared to March
(relative to a targeted 1.9% drop). April is a four-week month on the
retail calendar ending on May 1st.
Sales were softer in the second week. Weather conditions were
varied across the country, sunny and warm in some regions, but
unseasonably cool in others. Stores relying on spring driving apparel
sales reported mixed results for the week depending on their regional
weighting. This stop and go pattern of spring shopping influenced by
weather has been evident for several weeks. Sales at heavily weighted
discount stores were lifted on business in food, health & personal care
products and basic household supplies as consumers continue to seek
bargains. At the same time, retailers recommend withholding judgment on
the season until the end of this month when March and April can be
assessed as a single unit.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
