Chain Store Sales Rise 1.9% Over 2009

New York, NY, Oct. 26, 2010 -- U.S. chain-store sales last week rose by 1.9% compared with one year ago, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs.

They said the week to week measure continued to reflect a "roller coaster pattern" though as retail sales changed only marginally.

"Seasonally warm weather continues to curb the consumer appetite for fall merchandise and puts the October performance on a slow track," said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. 

"October continues to be an up and down month for retailers.  As such, ICSC Research now anticipates that year-over-year comparable-store sales growth will increase by 2 to 2.5%, industry-wide for the month," Niemira added.