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 Feb. 19:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 2.7% in the third
week of February following a 2.2% gain in the prior week. Month-to-date,
February is up 2.5% compared to February of last year (in-line with the
target). Month-over-month showed a 1.5% gain compared to January (also
in-line with the target). February is a four-week month on the retail
calendar, ending on February 26th.
Sales were firmer with Valentine’s Day included in the week.
Shoppers made their last minute Valentine’s Day purchases early in the
week and started to take advantage of President’s Day promotions toward
the end of the week, contributing to this week’s overall sales increase.
Valentine’s Day was a major draw for most general merchants, attracting
customers to stores and creating spillover business in other categories.
As before, we pointed out that February is a small month with thin
volumes made volatile by spring transitions and individual promotional
events. Within these limitations, most retailers appeared satisfied with
activity to date.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
