February Retail Sales Up Over 2010

New York, NY, March 4, 2011 -- U.S. chain-store sales rose 4.2% year over year in February, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers.
 
More retailers, and retail segments, participated in the improvement, noted Michael P. Niemira, chief economist and director of research for ICSC.

"This widespread improvement is on the heels of improving labor markets, broader improving economic conditions, and the reduction in payroll tax, all of which are more than offsetting the potentially negative drag of high fuel and food prices on consumer mindsets,” he said.