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 March 27:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 4.4% in the fourth
week of March following a 3.6% gain the prior week. Month-to-date, March
was up 3.6% compared to March of last year (relative to a target of a
3.7% gain). Month-over-month showed a 1.2% gain compared to February
(relative to a targeted 1.3% gain). March is a five-week month, ending
on April 3rd.
The fourth week of March was driven by a combination of seasonal
demand for spring merchandise and interest in Easter related
merchandise. Students on spring break during this period also helped to
give sales and mall traffic an extra boost. Easter buying continued to
show its traditional territorial bias, and was more prevalent in the
south. Retailers differ in the detail with which they track event
related sales like those associated with Easter. Most retailers noted
that increased business in food, certain apparel lines, toys and candy
were typical of this holiday.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
