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 July 17:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 2.7% in the second
week of July following a 3.1% gain in the prior week. Month-to-date,
July was up 2.9% compared to July of last year (in-line with the
target). Month-over-month showed a 0.6% drop compared to June (also
in-line with the target). July is a four-week month on the retail
calendar ending on July 31st, 2010.
Sales were mixed, with many retailers in our model slightly below
plan for the week, although most remain on target month-to- date. July
is a typical clearance-oriented month. Business varied across store
formats, reflecting both promotional calendars and the availability of
seasonal merchandise. Retailers are experiencing a lull in activity as a
weather driven surge in seasonal sales winds down and back-to-school
shopping has yet to take over. Discounters did their best business in
consumer staples such as food and household supplies. Some retailers
suggested that moderate interest in children’s apparel showed evidence
of early back-to-school buying.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
