Comps Make Small Gain in April's Third Week

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/4/2009 12:00:00 AM

New York —

Retail same-store sales were up 0.7% during the third week of April following a 0.1% the prior week, the Johnson Redbook reported last week.

Month-to-date for the period ended April 25, comps in the Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index were up 0.6% over April last year, relative to a full-month target of 0.3%. Month-over-month, there was a 1.6% gain.

"With Easter out of the way, seasonal business regained some momentum driven by promotions," said Catlin Levis, Rebook analyst.

Better sellers included lawn and garden equipment, spring goods and seasonal apparel, with some regional variations tied to weather conditions.

Department stores had another slack week, with a comp decline of 7.2% on the heels of a 7.5% decrease a week earlier. Once again, discounters had the stronger week, with a comp of 5.6% compared to 4.8% the previous week.

"Buinsess in consumer goods maintained the strength support by activity in food and consumer basics," said Levis. "With one week to go, April is expected to be slightly above plan."

Johnson Redbook Index
Third week of April, year-over-year % change