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 September 8:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 2.7% in the second
week of September following a 2.5% gain in the prior week.
Month-to-date, September was up 2.6% compared to September of last year
(relative to a target of a 2.2% gain). Month-over-month showed a 1.9%
gain (relative to a target of a 1.5% gain). September is a five-week
month on the retail calendar ending on September 29th.
Back-to-school business continued to be a primary sales driver in
the second week, which included Labor Day as the season approached its
peak selling period. Most retailers reported an excellent Labor Day
holiday, with better-than-expected sales growth on Sunday and Monday;
thereafter business tailed off sharply in the middle of the week, only
to build up again into the weekend. Business was sufficient to leave our
model ahead of plan month-to-date. Meanwhile, gulf coast retailers noted
Hurricane Isaac delayed the back-to-school shopping season in the
affected locations. Sales picked up following Isaac, especially in the
home improvement and household staples categories.
** MNI Washington Bureau (202) 371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]
