By Mark Pender
NEW YORK (MNI) – Momentum in MNI’s U.S. retail trade sample slowed
slightly in the February 25 period with the index down 1.1 points to a
62.3 level that’s still well over breakeven 50 to indicate strong growth
in year-on-year business activity, according to the results of Market
News International’s weekly survey released Monday.
Total sales growth is unchanged for a fifth straight period at a
year-on-year +5.0%. Same-store sales growth in the period slowed one
tenth to +3.5%.
Despite their strength, these rates will have to pick up before
signaling a monthly gain for the government’s retail sales report where
February’s seasonal factors are comparatively tough compared to January.
When adjusted MNI’s data point to a -0.5% print for the
government’s retail sales headline for February.
Income for MNI’s sample is a solid +9% year-on-year. Sample size in
the period is 207 chains for a total of 217,700 separate locations.
Editor’s Note: MNI compiles its retail trade index based on a
weekly sample of company news and data.
** Market News International New York Newsroom: 212-669-6430 **
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