Helped by Springlike Weather, Retail Sales Beat Estimates

February sales at retailers added to the signs that the American consumer is feeling more secure.

Sales at stores open at least a year, also known as same-store sales, increased by 4.7 percent in February, according to the Thomson Reuters tally of 18 retailers. That was far bigger than the 3.4 percent increase analysts had expected.

Consumer confidence for February was the highest level in a year, the Conference Board said on Tuesday, and the February sales seemed to echo that sentiment.

February is when retailers start to sell spring merchandise, so good early sales for spring clothing and accessories is a promising sign.

Read Full Article from New York Times

- Posted: 2012-03-01 11:50:48

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