Same Store Retail Sales Continue Slow Growth

Store sales came in at a slow plus 0.6 percent year-on-year for Redbook's same-store index, finishing off what was a weak month for the report's sample. But the outlook for March is upbeat. The month will benefit from this year's earlier Easter (March 27 vs April 5 last year) and perhaps by the weather which if it stays warm should boost sales of spring merchandise. Still, the dip for February points to a step back for the ex-auto ex-gas reading of the government's retail sales report.