Monthly sales volumes from individual department, chain, discount, and apparel stores 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. Why Investors Care
Highlights
Chain-store sales were mixed in January pointing to moderate gains for retail sales data later in the month.
January, in contrast to December and November, is a light month on the retail calendar and one dominated by clearance sales.
General merchandise giant Wal-Mart posted only a 2.5 percent rise in year-on-year same-store sales, no better than the rate of inflation. But Target continued to outdo its giant rival, showing a dramatic rise of 9.4 percent.
Among department stores, Sears showed a paltry gain while high-end stores, including Neiman Marcus, reported sharp gains.
Specialty retailers were mixed with high-end stores like AnnTaylor posting weak data with junior stores like American Eagle Outfitters doing better.
Unusually severe weather in the month hurt comparisons as did a later Super Bowl this year that will push beverage and snack sales, as well as restaurant sales, into February.
The results have only limited implications for the economic outlook and, apart from share prices of individual retailers, will have limited impact on the financial markets.
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