The Johnson Redbook retail sales index was up 5.1% in the second week of April following a 4.7% gain in the previous week.
Month-to-date, April was up 4.9% compared to April of last year, relative to a target of a 6.1% gain. Month-over-month showed a 1.1% gain compared to March, relative to a 2.3% gain target. April is a four-week month on the retail calendar ending on April 30.
Business continued to be steady, led by spring seasonal lines, including apparel, outdoor goods, and home improvement products. Retailers benefited from year-over-year comparisons as a later Easter caused more sale volume in the week. Department store retailers continued to gather strength in apparel categories. Warmer weather helped the seasonal apparel business, especially women’s apparel and footwear. Basic food, consumables, and hard lines also did well.
Meanwhile, wet, windy, and tornado outbreaks later in the week disrupted business and store traffic, particularly in the Southeast.
