U.S. February Retail Sales Up by 4.1 Percent

Same-store sales, excluding Walmart, saw a 4.1 percent gain in February, topping January’s 3.3 percent increase, according to Retail Forward’s monthly report for 30 retailers.

“Shoppers remain deal-focused and inclined to trade down among products and brands, but they are clearly ready to shop more and make some of the purchases they avoided during the recession,” says Frank Badillo, senior economist at Retail Forward.

Retail Forward’s numbers showed stronger-than-average results at apparel and accessory stores, followed by department stores and food, drug and discount stores. In February 2009, same-store retail sales posted a 0.4 percent increase, including Walmart.

Among the biggest gains: Zumiez (11.2 percent), Ross Stores (11 percent), Nordstrom (10.3 percent), TJX (10 percent), Neiman Marcus (6.2 percent), Buckle (5 percent), Macy’s (3.7 percent), Kohl’s (3.7 percent), Target (2.4 percent) and JCPenney (1.2).

Among the biggest declines: Stein Mart (-9.3 percent), Hot Topic (-7.0 percent), Stage Stores (-3.9 percent) and Duckwall-Alco Stores (-2.9 percent).

Brought to you by