Retailers report positive March sales

Retailers from discounter Target to department-store chain Macy's reported better-than-expected sales in March in the latest sign that Americans are feeling better about the economy.

A combination of warm weather and high demand for spring fashions boosted revenue for the month, but analysts say there's much more than higher temperatures at play. Americans have continued to cut back on spending in the slow economic recovery, but they're starting to be encouraged by the improving job market.

"Retailers are benefiting from an improving employment and consumer confidence picture," said Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics, a research firm.

Only a handful of retailers report monthly figures, but industry watchers say there's reason to be optimistic because the numbers offer a snapshot of consumer spending, which accounts for more than 70 percent of all economic activity.

Read Full Article from The Associated Press

- Posted: 2012-04-05 10:52:43

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