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Slow turn in economy not changing shopping habits

May 14, 2009

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Washington, D.C.--Consumers need more proof the economy is slowly turning around as April retail sales show people continuing to cut back on discretionary spending, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

Retail sales for April, which exclude automobiles, gas stations and restaurants, decreased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted from March and dropped 1.7 percent unadjusted over last year.

April retail sales released today by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales, which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gas and restaurants, decreased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted over March and decreased 9.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

"A depressed labor market and lack of consumer confidence continues to play a role in what people buy and how much they spend," said Rosalind Wells, NRF's chief economist. "Noticeable changes in consumer spending will take some time as the economy continues to rebuild itself through the rest of the year."

Spring weather helped get many people out of their home and into stores to buy new garden and sporting goods. Sales at building material, garden equipment and supplies dealers increased 0.3 percent seasonally adjusted from March, but decreased 10.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores sales increased 0.3 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month, but decreased 2.4 percent unadjusted over last April.

Thanks in part to consumers focusing on necessities instead of discretionary items, sales at health and personal care stores increased 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 5.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

Even with an Easter holiday in April, people cut back on groceries, apparel and gifts. Grocery store sales decreased 1.1 percent seasonally adjusted from last month, but increased 0.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

The National Retail Federation's membership includes department, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, independent stores, chain restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores, as well as the industry's key trading partners of retail goods and services.

Source: Convenience Store News
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Business | Company Activities and Information | Corporate Reporting | Earnings and Loss Announcements | Earnings and Losses | Economic Indicators | Holiday Sales | National Economy

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