WASHINGTON (MNI) – The following is the text of the weekly retail
sales report released by Johnson Redbook Wednesday, for the
month-to-date through the week-ended February 18:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 2.9% in the third
week of February following a 2.7% gain in the prior week. Month-to-date,
February was up 2.7% compared to February of last year (relative to a
target of a 2.8% gain). Month-over-month showed a 1.4% gain compared to
January (relative to a target of a 1.5% gain). February is a four-week
month on the retail calendar, ending on February 25th.
The latest week included last minute Valentine’s Day demand and
ended with Presidents Day promotions. Valentine’s Day was a major draw
for some general merchandise stores, attracting customers and creating
spill-over business in other categories. Certain discounters reported
strong sales in traditional Valentine’s Day items such as flowers and
candy, and said the resulting increase in customer counts drove traffic
in categories not directly related to the event, including: basic and
seasonal apparel as well as food and household goods, all of which saw
satisfactory business. Mild weather may have also helped to boost early
sales of spring merchandise, adding a seasonal component to the week.
** Market News International Washington Bureau (202) 371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
