Home Furnishings Sales Up in February, NRF Says

National Retail Federation

Washington, DC, March 12, 2010 – At some point in February, almost every single state had snow on the ground, but that wasn’t enough to keep house-bound consumers from a little shopping therapy.

According to the National Retail Federation, February retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 1.0 percent seasonally adjusted over January and 1.7 percent unadjusted year-over-year. 

“February could be the direct result of cabin fever with consumers eager to get some fresh air and enjoy a day of shopping,” said Rosalind Wells, chief economist for NRF.

“We expect sales increases to continue but high unemployment and other economic factors will restrain consumers’ ability to splurge on discretionary items.”  

Sales at furniture and home furnishings stores increased 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted over January but decreased 1.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year.


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