Justine Griffin / Herald Tribune – Chain store sales in June were the highest they have been in years, as pent-up demand from a blustery winter drove shoppers into stores, a report by the International Council of Shopping Centers shows.
Retail sales were up 4.6 percent compared with June 2013, the strongest pace analysts have seen since December 2011.
“Business was up sharply for most segments, especially at department stores, apparel stores, discounters and wholesale clubs,” said Michael Niemira, an ICSC research consultant. “Gasoline prices — which impact consumer discretionary purchasing power — stayed flat, providing consumers the ability to spend their money elsewhere.”