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 23:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 1.9% in the fourth
week of June following a 2.4% gain the prior week. Month-to-date, June
was up 2.3% compared to June of last year (relative to a target of a
2.9% gain). Month-over-month showed a 0.4% gain (relative to a target of
a 0.9% gain). June is a five-week month on the retail calendar ending on
June 30th
Both department and discount stores turned in softer performance
following Father’s Day. The slower pace reflected a normal seasonal lull
as more people enjoy the outdoors instead of shopping in stores during
the summer month. With the first day of summer having come on Wednesday,
some retailers said their seasonal inventory is slightly higher than
they would prefer at this point in the cycle. Most retailers, however,
continue to expect sell-through during the hot weather and upcoming 4th
of July promotions as more shoppers buy according to immediate needs.
** MNI Washington Bureau (202) 371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
