U.S. weekly retail sales rose 3.9% for the period ended Oct. 4.The increase was attributed to favorable weather that generated seasonal apparel demand, according to the Intl. Council of Shopping Centers/Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index. Weekly business was strong for wholesale clubs; dollar, apparel and electronic stores; and discounters.
Overall Sep. sales are forecast to increase 5-6%, the ICSC/Goldman Sachs said. Overall September sales rose 5% versus a 3.5% gain in Sep. 2013. The ICSC retail comp forecast for October is for an increase of 3.5-4.5%.
