Chain Store Sales Up Over Last Year

New York, NY, Feb. 3, 2012 -- U.S. chain-store sales rose 3.9% last week compared to the same week last year, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs.

However, ICSC noted that sales in January reflected mixed results for retailers. Last week's sales were basically flat compared with the week before.

"With the fiscal month and year coming to a close this past week, retail sales once again showed how much sales patterns can shift, especially in January," said Michael Niemira, ICSC's vice president of research and chief economist.

"The good news is that sales on a year over year basis continue to show strength, which is a positive sign as the industry moves into the new fiscal year beginning this week."