New York, NY, February 23--Chain store retail sales fell 0.1 percent in the week ended February 19, compared with a 0.1 percent increase the previous week, according to a joint report from the International Council of Shopping Centers and UBS.
Compared with the same week a year ago, sales increased 1.8 percent after a 1.7 percent rise the preceding week.
"Thus far, retail sales continue to show their strength despite facing tough year-over-year comparisons," said Michael Niemira, ICSC's chief economist and director of research in statement.
"Customer traffic and demand, especially in the Midwest, continues to remain fairly strong. For the month, ICSC expects retail sales will increase by 2.5 percent, on a year-over-year basis," Niemira said.
