Organization news : April Spending up 0.5 Percent at Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book and Music Stores in US

Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores’ sales increased 0.5 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and increased 4.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year in April, according to estimates released Monday by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“In the face of higher taxes and sequester, consumers provided the economy a bit of a reprieve this month,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “Despite colder spring weather and an early Easter, consumers shopped in April, demonstrating an inherent resiliency even as the economy faces serious headwinds, including stagnant job and wage growth.”

The NRF estimated April retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.6 percent seasonally adjusted from last month and increased 3.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

“Today’s retail sales data is encouraging news,” NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said. “However positive, retail sales and consumer spending in April may not necessarily translate into a stronger or healthier second quarter. NRF continues to forecast moderate sales growth for the year.”

The Department of Commerce estimated that:

• Building material & garden equipment and supplies dealers stores’ sales increased 1.5 percent seasonally-adjusted and increased 7.7 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
• Clothing and clothing accessories stores' sales increased 1.2 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and increased 3.5 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
• Electronics and appliance stores’ sales increased 0.8 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and increased 1.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
• Furniture and home furnishing stores’ sales were flat seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and increased 6.4 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
• General merchandise stores’ sales increased 1.0 seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and decreased 2.7 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
• Health and personal care stores’ sales were decreased 0.1 seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and flat unadjusted year-over-year.
• Nonstore retailers’ sales increased 1.4 percent seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and increased 19.0 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

Source SportsOneSource

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