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 17:
The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 4.1% in the third
week of September following a 4.5% gain the previous week.
Month-to-date, September was up 4.5% compared to September of last year
(relative to a target of a 4.6% gain). Month-over-month showed a flat
reading compared to August (relative to a target of a 0.1% gain).
September is a five-week month on the retail calendar, ending on October
1st.
As back-to-school merges into transitional fall business, sales for
the week were mixed to slightly weaker in the third week of September.
Some clothing categories were active, but apparel in general did not
perform at the same level as in previous weeks, hurting the department
stores with their narrower merchandise bases. Discount stores sales were
supported by consumer basics such as food and household supplies.
Back-to-school categories are now winding down and fresh fall apparel
has started to sell well in some regions as cool weather moves in. **
Market News International Washington Bureau: 202-371-2121 **
** Market News International Washington Bureau (202) 371-2121 **
[TOPICS: M$U$$$,MAUDS$]