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 September 4:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 3.0% in the first
week of September. Month-to-date, September was up 3.0% compared to
September of last year (relative to a revised target of a 2.9% gain).
Month-over-month showed -0.1% compared to August (relative to a target
of a 0.2% drop). September is a five-week month on the retail calendar
ending on October 2nd.
Sales picked up in the days leading up to the Labor Day long
weekend. Shoppers responded positively to Labor Day sales and
promotions. Sales continue to be driven by the twin themes of
back-to-school and seasonal apparel. Discount stores registered strong
food sales ahead of the holiday weekend. In anticipation of Hurricane
Earl on the east coast, customers made a run on food, bottled water,
batteries and other emergency supplies ramping up business at stores
which stock those types of supplies. Discount stores were the main
beneficiaries. Some retailers are nearing the end of their
back-to-school calendars, while others expect its impetus to last
through the month, reflected in sales of children’s clothing and school
supplies.
** Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]