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 Feb. 12:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 2.2% in the second
week of February following a 2.7% gain in the prior week. Month-to-date,
February is up 2.4% compared to February of last year (relative to a
target of a 2.5% gain). Month-over-month showed a 1.4% gain compared to
January (relative to a target of a 1.5% gain). February is a four-week
month on the retail calendar, ending on February 26th.
Retailers said the pace of sales was uneven, slowing down in the
middle of the week but increasing and finishing up more firmly into the
weekend. Sales during the week were driven by a combination of factors,
including Valentine’s Day promotions (candy, flowers, fashion
accessories, cosmetics and jewelry) and continuing clearance of winter
apparel. Valentine’s Day is one day later than last year, pushing
related sales into the subsequent fiscal week and prolonging related
purchases according to some retailers.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]