Weekly chain store sales rose 2.3% in the first week of March, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Snapshot released Tuesday.
“Despite the consumers’ worry about higher fuel prices, which will likely weigh on the month’s overall sales, March came in like a lion for retailers this past week,” according to Michael Niemira, ICSC’s vice president of research and chief economist.
“The offset is coming from an increase in employment and stronger income on the consumer front, which is aiding in the overall uptick in retail sales,” Niemira added.