The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index increased 3.2 percent for the week ending Aug. 9 ?relative to the prior year. On a weekly basis, sales decreased 1.4 percent compared to the previous week.
“Business was a bit more mixed this past week, with electronic stores leading the way from a performance standpoint,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC research consultant. “The good news is that consumers are continuing to get a break at the pump, which will free up their ability to spend on back-to-school purchases. I expect sales for August to show a healthy gain of 4-5 percent - a notable improvement over the 3.6 percent gain in August 2013.”
Fiscal month sales for August will be reported on September 4.
