Chain Store Sales Weaker In September

The handful of retailers that continue to report monthly sales are mostly reporting much weaker sales rates in September. The ex-auto ex-gas reading of the government's retail sales report, which had been solid in the second quarter, dipped 0.1 percent in both June and July. August's retail sales report will be a key highlight of next week's calendar.

Definition:
Monthly sales volumes from individual department, discount, apparel, and drugstore chains are usually reported on the first Thursday of each month. Chain store sales correspond with roughly 10 percent of retail sales. Chain store sales are an indicator of retail sales and consumer spending trends.