2008 U.S. Economic Events & Analysis
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Chain Store Sales
Definition
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
March was another very poor month for U.S. retailers which, nearly across the board, posted lower year-on-year results for both total and same-store sales. Total sales are barely above zero with most same-store results below zero. Chains blamed consumer troubles for the weak sales with many also citing cold weather during the month which hurt sales of seasonal items. Yet only a limited number of chains cut estimates due to their March results and many say their inventories, despite the weak sales, remain tight.

The results point to another month of trouble for Monday's retail trade report, which however may get a little lift from March's favorable seasonal adjustment. Vehicle sales, posted last week, were the weakest since the mid 90s. Shares of retailers as well as the stock market as a whole are likely to be pressured by today's results. The dollar may also feel a little pressure while the news points to lower yields in the Treasury market.

2008 Release Schedule
Released On: 1/10 2/7 3/6 4/10 5/8 6/5 7/10 8/7 9/4 10/8 11/6 12/4
Released For: Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov


 
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