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 April 14:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 3.0% in the second
week of April following a 4.1% gain the prior week. Month-to-date, April
was up 3.6% compared to April of last year (relative to a target of a
3.5% gain). Month-over-month showed a 0.2% gain compared to March
(relative to a target of a 0.1% gain). April is a four-week month on the
retail calendar, ending on April 28th.
The slower performance compared to the prior week was probably due
to the Easter shift; many stores were closed on Easter Sunday resulting
in a comparison of six shopping days versus seven on a year-over-year
basis, making for a difficult comparison. In addition, Midwest tornado
outbreaks at the end of the week dampened demand for spring goods. Sales
were disrupted unevenly on a regional basis particularly affecting
apparel intensive stores compared with more diversified retailers.
Meanwhile, home improvement and outdoor merchandise were reported to be
showing signs of spring fever; and business in household basics as well
as food and consumables were solid.
** MNI Washington Bureau (202) 371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]