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 June 19:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 3.2% in the third
week of June following a 2.7% gain the prior week. Month-to-date, June
was up 3.1% compared to June of last year (relative to a target of a
3.2% gain). Month-over-month showed a 0.4% drop compared to May
(relative to a targeted 0.3% drop). June is a five-week month on the
retail calendar ending on July 3rd.
With relatively easy comparisons against last June most retailers
were on plan for the week. The sales pickup in the third week was
attributed to Father’s Day promotions, which brought people into stores
and drove up traffic producing positive spill over business in other
product areas. Men’s apparel and other typical gift categories were
active as expected. Summer arrived on Monday with warmer weather across
most regions. Some seasonal merchandise such as swimwear, fans, air
conditioners and patio furniture continued to improve.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
