Chain Store Sales Flat Last Week

Washington, DC, October 2, 2007--Chain store sales were flat for the week ended September 29 compared to the prior week, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers and UBS Securities. Sales compared with the year-ago-period were up 2.7%.

"Sales were unchanged over the last week with weather a potential help in the West, but a drag on sales in the rest of the nation," said Michael Niemira, chief economist for the ICSC. "Overall, the month is shaping up on the soft side of recent monthly sales trends."

The ICSC said it expects monthly sales performance to increase by 2% to 2.5%.