Chain store sales climbed 0.8% in the week ended April 20, while improving to a 1.9% rise year-over-year, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly survey of comparable chain-store sales, published Tuesday.
"Although aggregate sales popped up by 0.8% for the latest week ending April 20, sales were mixed with improved performance at grocery stores and discounters, but weaker business for electronics, office, apparel, department, drug and other specialty stores," said Michael P. Niemira, vice president of research and chief economist for ICSC. "Abnormally wet weather conditions - the wettest in more than 22 years for that comparable week-curbed the consumers' willingness to spend."
