Spring Merch Lifts Comps

Home Textiles Today Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/19/2012 2:00:00 AM

NEW YORK - Sales of seasonal products helped boost same-store sales 3.3% during the second week of March following a 3.0% gain the previous week, according to The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index.
     Comps in the department channel rose 2.1%, while same-store sales in the discount sector increased 3.9%.
     "Sales were mixed to modestly firmer in the second week," said Redbook analyst Catlin Levis.
     She added: "Many retailers have planned for a back-loaded month, with seasonal business expected to improve in the second half due to gradually warming temperatures and the gravitational pull of the early Easter holiday, which is typically a catalyst for spring sales."