RETAIL SALES IMPROVING: HAS THE CORRECTION ENDED?

HTT: March same-store sales pick up

New York – Merchandisers made headway toward comparable-store sales goals in the third week of March, with comps up 1.4% for the week, the Johnson Redbook reported today.

Month-to-date, comps are up 1.2%, compared to the goal of 1.4% for the five-week retail month, which ends April 5. Month-over-month comps are tracking 1.8% above February, compared to a targeted 2.0% gain.

NOT BAD; HERE'S A TABLE:

Week ended	3/8	3/15	3/22	3/29	4/5	Month	Target
Department stores*	0.6	0.5	0.7			0.6	0.9
Discounters	1.3	1.5	1.8			1.6	1.8
Redbook Index	1.0	1.1	1.4			1.2	1.4
*Including chain stores and traditional department stores Source: Johnson Redbook Index

HOUSING SALES ARE ALSO DOING BETTER.

I THINK THE ECONOMY HAS BOTTOMED OUT.

BY SUMMER THINGS WILL BE VERY GOOD.