Same-store sales hit growth target

NEW YORK — Helped by stronger fashion assortments at the nation's department stores, as well as sales of warm-weather merchandise, same-store retail sales came in modestly ahead of plan during the second week of May, rising 4.8 percent from year-ago levels, and improving on a 4.7 percent increase the week before.

For the two weeks month-to-date, May sales are up 4.7 percent from last year's level, slightly ahead of a targeted gain of 4.6 percent, the Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index reported. Month-over-month, sales so far in May are up 0.7 percent from April levels, compared with a targeted 0.6 percent increase.

The overall index was buoyed by the continued resurgence at the nation's department stores. Sales in that full-price channel of distribution climbed 2.9 percent during the week, improving on a 2.5 percent increase the preceding week.

Measured on a month-to-date basis, department store sales are running ahead of plan, with a 2.7 percent increase besting a target of 2.3 percent.

Sales at the more price-oriented mass-merchant channel increased 6 percent, slightly off their pace of 6.1 percent during the first week of the month. So far during May, discounter sales are on target with a 6.1 percent increase.

"Sales growth continued on, to slightly above, plan at most key retailers in the second week," said Redbook Analyst Catlin Levis. "Several department stores reported minor up-ticks in customer traffic and improved same-store sales gains compared to the previous week, in part due to a positive response to colored fashions as consumers are buying more full-price apparel and footwear."

In addition, said Levis, "Warm-weather categories, such as summer apparel, toys, fans, air conditioners, outdoor merchandise and garden equipment, was the focus of the week of most stores."