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 June 18:

The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 4.2% in the third
week of June following a 3.2% gain the prior week. Monthto- date, June
was up 3.9% compared to June of last year (relative to a target of a
3.8% gain). Month-over-month showed a 1.0% gain compared to May
(relative to a targeted gain of 0.9%). June is a five-week month on the
retail calendar ending on July 2nd.

Most retailers met plan for the week. Father’s Day was a factor in
bringing people into stores and driving traffic and in producing a
positive spill over into business in other product areas. Men’s apparel
and other typical gift categories were strong as expected. Temperatures
finally have warmed up to seasonal levels and summer apparel was very
active in both discount and department stores. Consumer durables such as
fans, air conditioners and sporting equipment also had good results.

** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **

[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]