The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.4% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. The decrease--the fifth drop in the past six weeks--came as consumers shied away from stores during the warm summer weather and due to the threat of Hurricane Earl.

"Sales began the new fiscal month weak as the national weather remained unfavorable for fall merchandise demand," ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira said. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 1.8%

The ICSC-Goldman Sachs (ICSC-GS) chain store sales index for the week ending August 28 rose by a moderate 0.1% on a week-over-week basis. The latest weeks increase broke an extended week-over-week drop that lasted four consecutive weeks. The fiscal month ended mixed, but slightly better than during the majority of the month. Over the last week, customer traffic weakened overall, but improved modestly for discounters. Nationwide, the seasonably warm weather continued to curb fall and back-to-school apparel merchandise demand. According to Weather Trends International (WTI) unseasonably hot weather lingered for its 14th consecutive week with temperatures trending both hotter than last year by 1.4F degrees and above its long-term average for the nation as a whole by 1.3F degrees.

WTI observed further that August is on track to be the hottest August in 15 years, but regionally California is shaping up to have its coldest August in over 20 years. That unevenness in the weather added to the unevenness of the sales during the month. Finally, on August 30, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average price of a gallon of regular-grade gasoline at the pump declined by about 2 cents (and cumulative about 10 cents per gallon over the last three weeks) to $2.682 — the lowest since late February — and was about 3% higher than the same week of the prior year.

For the fourth consecutive week retailers saw their weekly sales decline as a confluence of factors seem to be softening consumers’ willingness to spend. As a result, for the weekly ending August 21, weekly sales slipped by 0.4 percent — the longest stretch since September 2008, according to the ICSC and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index. On a year-over-year basis, the sales index slowed to 2.3 percent, however, continued to remain positive.

“Sales growth receded again as lingering hot weather curbed the demand for fall and back-to-school clothing, weak pricing power restrained the nominal reported spending pace and a general economic malaise slowed the consumers’ desire to spend,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “Overall demand is modest and ICSC Research continues to expect monthly comparable or same-store sales for August — which largely will be reported on September 2 — to rise about 3.0 percent, which is consistent with recent monthly trends,” Niemira added.

For the third consecutive week retailers experienced a sales decline despite consumer traffic remaining steady. Overall, for the week ending August 14, retailers saw their weekly sales decline by 1.3 percent, according to the ICSC and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index. On a year-over-year basis, the sales index continues to remain positive but slowed to 3.3 percent.

“Although customer traffic is holding up, the pricing environment has weakened and has constricted reported sales gains–especially over the last week,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “ICSC Research continues to expect monthly sales will grow by about 3.0 percent above year-ago levels for the fiscal month of August,” Niemira added.

August began where July left off for retailers as sales declined once again this past week. According to the ICSC and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Index, weekly sales were down by 0.2 percent for the week ending August 7, 2010. On a year-over-year basis, the sales index weakened a bit as yearly sales slowed by 3.7 percent.

“Sales moderated a tad during the first week of the August fiscal month,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “Back-to-school sales state tax holidays kicked in late in the week for a number of states, which helped to drive customer traffic in those states, but that was not enough to provide a nationwide lift to the sales pace from the prior week. For the fiscal month of August, sales are likely to increase by 3.0 percent as back-to-school demand will drive sales by the end of the month,” Niemira added

With the fiscal month of July coming to a close this past Saturday, retailers saw their sales decline a bit as they are in the middle to two selling periods summer clearance and back-to-school. As a result, weekly retail sales were a tad softer and fell slightly by 0.1 percent according to the ICSC and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Snapshot. On a year-over-year basis, the sales index improved and rose by 3.9 percent.

"The retail fiscal month ended on a slightly softer note as retailers are in a shoulder period between summer clearance and back-to-school," said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. "The lingering hot weather continues to be a negative for back-to-school and fall merchandise demand. For the fiscal month of July sales are likely to increase between 3.0 to 4.0 percent with increased unevenness across the industry," Niemira added.

The ICSC-Goldman Sachs (ICSC-GS) chain store sales index for the week ending July 24 again rose on a week-over-week basis up 0.6%. On a year-over-year seasonally-adjusted basis, the pace of spending moderated to 3.8% in the latest week. Easy comparisons continue to lift sales — though not as much as the prior weekwhile the abnormally hot weather helped drove some customer traffic in regions. But the retail industry is in a transition period between summer clearance and back-to-school, which makes it difficult for retailers to leverage the hot-weather for sales.

Back-to-school will kick in during early August as a wave of states have their state sales tax holidays to help consumers as they head back to school. (Mississippi will be the first state with its sales tax holiday — July 30-31 — on clothing and footwear to usher in the back-to-school state tax holidays. A majority of states have their sales tax holidays beginning on or about August 6.) According to Weather Trends International (WTI) unseasonably hot weather lingered for its ninth consecutive week “with temperatures trending both much hotter than last year and above average for the nation as a whole with the month on pace to be the hottest in 115+ years.” Lingering hot weather may likely delay the launch of the consumers’ back-to-school spending. For the latest week, WTI also reported that the national temperature average was +4.2F warmer than last year and +2.5F above its long-term average. Meanwhile, gasoline prices have begun to edge up again. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration the average price of a gallon of regular-grade gasoline at the pump rose to $2.749 — up about three cents from the prior week and nearly 10% higher than the same week of the prior year.

After last week’s sales decline retailers saw the sales trend reverse itself as a result of easy comparisons and hot weather which drove consumers indoors as a way to avoid the heat. According to the ICSC and Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Snapshot weekly chain store sales increased by 1.4 percent overall for the week ending July 17, 2010. On a year-over-year basis, the sales index also improved and rose by 4.2 percent the strongest since May 8, 2010 (+4.3%).

“Retailers experienced a decent spurt in sales this past week following last week’s decline,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “However, over the last two weeks, the seasonally-adjusted sales performance was relatively flat. For the month, ICSC Research expects July sales to be up between 3.0 to 4.0 percent compared with a hefty 5.0 percent decline in July 2009,” Niemira added.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 1.5% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. The drop--the biggest in nearly two months--came as retailers saw sales "take a breather" after two consecutive weeks of "strong positive weekly sales gains," ICSC said. Sales had risen 1% and 2.1% in the prior two weeks.

ICSC Chief Economist Michael Niemira added sales showed a "mixed performance" in the past week, though year-over-year sales unadjusted for seasonal factors were boosted because of a calendar shift when Independence Day was celebrated. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 3.2% last week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index jumped 1% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. The increase--the second consecutive weekly increase--came as consumers ventured out into the heat to make purchases before the July 4 holiday, ICSC said.

"Lingering hot weather, as well as a calendar shift, certainly helped to drive seasonal demands on Saturday ahead of the Independence Day holiday," ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira said. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 3.9% last week, its biggest such climb in two months.

After two weeks when sales dipped, consumer spending heated up along with the seasonally hot weather. As a result, overall weekly chain store sales for the week ending June 26 increased by a hefty 2.1 percent, according to the ICSC and Goldman Sachs. In addition, year-over-year sales strengthened to 3.0 percent its best showing in three weeks.

“The weekly sales pace accelerated over the latest week with department store business much stronger over the last week, which helped to drive industry sales overall,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “Given the weekly sales pace ICSC Research continues to expect sales will increase by 3.0 to 4.0 percent overall for June,” Niemira added

Despite the Father’s Day sales catalyst over the latest week, consumers were more cautious in their spending over this past week. For the week ending June 19 retailers saw their sales slip slightly for the second week by 0.5 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index. On a year-over-year basis sales moderated to 2.5 percent but overall remained positive.

“Customer traffic moderated from the same week of last year and with it weekly sales slipped,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “Although the weekly sales pace seemingly has slowed a tad in recent weeks, the month’s easy comparisons is why ICSC Research continues to expect sales will increase by 3.0 to 4.0 percent,” Niemira added.

After last week’s sales increase retailers saw their sales dipped as consumers took a slight break from shopping this past week. As a result, for the week ending June 12, weekly sales declined by 0.7 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index. On a year-over-year basis sales grew by 2.9 percent, which was a marginally slower pace than during the prior week.

“Sales dipped in the latest week from the prior week, though the year-over-year momentum continued only slightly under the prior week’s pace,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “The weekly pace appears to be a bit more volatile than in recent weeks, but, the month’s easy comparisons will lift the year-over-year pace throughout the month. Overall for the month ICSC Research expects sales will increase by 3.0 to 4.0 percent,” Niemira added.

Warm weather throughout the nation acted as a sales catalyst for consumers and gave retailers another week of positive sales results. For the first week of the fiscal month of June, weekly sales improved by 0.8 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index. On a year-over-year basis sales remained positive and improved by 3.0 percent.

“Sales spurted during the first week of the fiscal month of June as a bout of hot weather was the catalyst for apparel demand, in particular,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “For the month, ICSC Research expects sales will increase by 3.0 to 4.0 percent as easy comparisons will be boosted by the calendar-shift pushing Memorial Day sales into the June fiscal month as well as a ‘warm weather’ lift,” Niemira added.

As consumers enjoyed a long holiday weekend so did retailers as retail sales bounced back slightly after two weeks of declines. For the final week of the fiscal month, which ended May 29, weekly sales improved by 0.6 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index. On a year-over-year basis sales also improved and rose by 2.5 percent.

“Warmer seasonal weather helped propel apparel-store demand in the final week of the fiscal month,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “For the month as a whole, sales were affected negatively by cooler temperatures than in recent years and a calendar-shift that pushed Memorial Day sales into the June fiscal month this year versus in May last year. For this reason ICSC Research continues to expect industry comparable-store sales for May to increase by between 2.0- 2.5 percent compared with the same month of 2009,” Niemira added.

Retailers once again saw their sales dip as consumers pulled back a bit on their discretionary spending this past week. Overall for the week ending May 22, weekly sales slipped by 0.8 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index. On a year-over-year basis sales were also affected and slowed to 1.3 percent.

“Sales continued to soften over the latest week as mixed regional influences from weather combined with uneven traffic and some softer spending by consumers led to the decline,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “Given the last two weeks sales are now tracking about 2.0 to 2.5 percent for the month which is somewhat below ICSC Research’s earlier expectation of approximately 3.5 percent,” Niemira added. In observance of Memorial Day, the ICSC-Goldman Sachs Weekly Chain Store Sales Snapshot will be released on Wednesday, June 2, 2010.

Unseasonable and cold weather put the freeze on weekly sales this past week. As a result, for the week ending May 15, weekly sales fell by 2.5 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index. On a year-over-year basis sales were also affected and slowed to 2.9 percent.

“Spring goods were adversely impacted by a bout of unfavorable weather during the week which, according to Weather Trends International, had the coldest national conditions in more than 18 years,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “Despite this past week and another calendar quirk to deal with for the May fiscal month, the underlying pace of demand continues to be healthy. For the month of May, ICSC Research expects sales will increase by approximately 3.5 percent,” Niemira added.

Warm weather and Mother’s Day acted as a sales catalyst giving retailers a slight rebound in sales this past week. For the week ending May 8, weekly sales rose by 0.1 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index. On a year-over-year basis sales remained positive and healthy at 4.3 percent.

“Sales edged up during the first week of the May fiscal month as warm weather in the South and East helped to drive seasonal demands, as well as Mother’s Day acting as a catalyst for traffic,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “During the latest week, the ICSC-Goldman Sachs customer tracking survey found strong year-over-year traffic at apparel-specialty stores, discounters and department stores — though the pace was a tad softer for department stores than in previous weeks. Although there will likely be another calendar quirk to deal with for the May fiscal month, the underlying pace of demand continues to be healthy. For the month of May, ICSC Research expects sales will increase by approximately 3.5 percent,” Niemira added.

After six consecutive weeks when sales increased, retailers experienced a slight sales decrease at month's end. For the week ending May 1, weekly sales slipped by 0.4 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index. On a year-over-year basis, however, sales retained a healthy pace of 4.4 percent -- though slower than the prior two weeks.

"Sales for the final week of the April fiscal month slide, but, customer traffic continued to show solid gains at discounters, department stores and apparel stores," said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. "Overall the pace of spending was somewhat more subdued this past week then in recent weeks. Still, the month -- adjusted for the Easter seasonal shift -- held up well, though the reported unadjusted numbers for April will likely be flat to down slightly after the 9.0 percent spike in March," Niemira added.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) reported that chain store sales rose for the sixth consecutive week. Retailers enjoyed another sales increase overall as weekly sales improved by 0.2 percent, according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index for the period ending April 24. On a year-over-year basis sales had a marked improvement from the prior week’s pace and rose by 5.5 percent.

“Sales continued to improve over the latest week, helped by robust customer traffic, especially at discounters, department and apparel stores,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “The release of pent-up demand continues to help lift the underlying spending profile for todays consumers. For April, ICSC Research continues to expect monthly sales to be flat to down 3.0 percent,” Niemira added.

Retail sales rose for the fifth consecutive week despite facing a post-Easter seasonal drag. Overall sales improved by 0.2% on a weekly basis according to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs weekly sales index for the period ending April 17. On a year-over-year basis sales remained strong (+4.6%).

"Helped by seasonably-warm temperatures for the week, customer traffic especially at department and apparel-specialty storesimproved over the same week of the prior year," said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. "However, with about 4-5 percentage points of March's monthly sales lift due to the Easter calendar shift, the April 'echo' will depress store sales somewhat. As a result ICSC Research continues to expect that April sales will be flat to down 3%," Niemira added.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) reported that chain store sales rose a slight 0.1% from the prior week, the fourth consecutive gain, while sales gained a strong 4.0% from the year-ago period. As expected, there was somewhat of a drop-off during the post-Easter week compared to last week’s 4.7% YoY increase, but lingering warm weather helped to keep apparel sales relatively strong even as customer traffic at discount stores moderated. “Sales were impacted by the usual post-Easter seasonal weakness, but adjusted for that, sales edged up for the fourth consecutive gain and were helped by seasonally warm weather that continued to drive spring-merchandise demand,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC’s chief economist. ICSC Research expects April comp store sales to be flat to down 3% as the earlier Easter pulled sales into March from last year. However, the combined March-April period is projected to show a healthy 4% increase from last year.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) reported that chain store sales rose 2.1% from the prior week, driven by warmer weather and the Easter holiday, while sales surged 4.7% from the year-ago period, the strongest gain in three years. The company saw strong apparel, department store and discounter customer traffic over the last week as consumers are increasingly showing a willingness to spend as the economy shows increasing signs of improvement.

“The calendar shift due to the earlier Easter this year versus last year (April 4, 2010 vs. April 12, 2009) caused sales to surge on an unadjusted basis, but even on a seasonally-adjusted basis, sales were quite strong as well,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC’s chief economist. Results continue to get a lift from extremely easy comparisons to last March, which saw a 5.1% year-over-year sales plunge. ICSC Research raised their guidance and now expects March comp sales will be up 8.0-10.0% compared to last year, significantly above the previous estimate of 3.0-3.5%, with about 6 percentage points of growth attributed to the calendar shift.

The ICSC-Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.6% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. The increase--the second straight--came as sales "remained encouraging" and consumers flocked to stores for seasonal and Easter-related merchandise, ICSC said.

"Sales posted a healthy gain during the past week but overall results were impacted by mixed influences with weather uneven across the nation," ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira said. "Easter-related and other seasonal spending strengthened as consumers continued to release some of their pent-up demand." On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 3.2% last week.

With the official arrival of spring on Saturday consumers were motivated to shop giving retailers a bounce back from last week’s slight sales decline. Overall, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc. (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs (GS) index, weekly retail sales for the week ending March 20 improved by 0.1 percent. In addition, on a year-over-year basis, sales improved and grew by 3.7 percent – the strongest since April 7, 2007 (+4.0%).

“Last week’s mild weather on both coasts gave consumers ’spring fever’ and a reason to release some more of their pent-up demand which has been an underlying force over the last few weeks,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC director of research and chief economist. “With the earlier Easter just two weeks away the current uptick for the month of March should continue and as a result ICSC Research expects March sales will increase by 3.0 to 3.5 percent,” Niemira added.

The ICSC-Goldman Sachs (ICSC-GS) chain store sales index for the week ending March 13 slipped by 0.4% with some regional weather-induced sales softness, especially in the Northeast and on the weekend. However, throughout the nation, sales were relatively strong during the early-to-middle part of the week and that helped to offset some of the weekend softness. The early-week improvement also may have been helped by mild-seasonal temperatures resulting in markedly stronger department and apparel store traffic compared with the same week of 2009.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs on Tuesday released the following seasonally adjusted weekly data on U.S. chain store retail sales. ICSC reported that chain store sales for the week ending March, 6 2010, increased 2.9% week-over-week and rose 3.4% from the year-ago period. ICSC Research expects same-store sales for March to increase by 2.5 to 3.5 percent.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs on Tuesday released the following seasonally adjusted weekly data on U.S. chain store retail sales. ICSC reported that chain store sales for the week ending Feb 27, 2010 decreased 0.8% week-over-week and rose 0.9% from the year-ago period. ICSC Research expects same-store sales for February to be up by about two percent.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) reported that chain store sales rose for the week ending Feb 20th. The ICSC-Goldman Sachs (ICSC-GS) chain store sales index for the week ending February 20 rose by a hefty 2.3% on a week-over-week basis and increased by 0.9% on a year-over-year basis. ICSC Research expects same-store sales for February to rise by about 2.0%.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) reported that chain store sales fell for the week ending Feb 13th. Storms Take Toll on Weekly Spending: The ICSC-Goldman Sachs (ICSC-GS) chain store sales index for the week ending February 13 declined by a hefty 1.6% on a week-over-week basis and fell by 0.7% on a year-over-year basis.

The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) reported that chain store sales were a mixed bag for the week ending Feb 6th, as sales increased 1.4% week-over-week and rose 1.8% from the year-ago period. The one-week later shift in the calendar for the Super Bowl (February 7, 2010 vs. Feburary 1, 2009) and the blizzard threat (that materialized) from the Ohio Valley through the Middle Atlantic helped lift consumer spending on groceries for the week (the "stock-up effect"), but winter clearance merchandise was limited and with some 61% of the nation snow covered over the last week consumer shopping was hindered by the adverse travel conditions.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index for the week ending January 30 ended the month on a weak, though positive, note with a small 0.1% week-over-week increase and a similarly soft 0.4% year/year pace. The weekly fluctuation continued to be excessive, which is a result of a low-volume month dominated by clearance activity early in the month (which was reasonably good) and affected by weather anamolies as consumers lack any seasonal urgency to shop.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 2.5% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. The drop continues the trend of January volatility that can be affected by small swings because of low sales volumes, ICSC said.

Small shifts due to weather or inventory or other factors can amplify the weekly sales pace, ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira said. This has been the case over the last four weeks, with wide swings on a week-over-week basis.

Last week, ICSC said consumers were continuing to look for deals after the holidays. Niemira also reiterated that January industrywide comparable-store sales are likely to be flat to up 1%. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 1.9% last week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 2% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

The increase--the biggest in the past month--came as consumers "headed to discounters to fight the post-holiday blues," ICSC said. The group noted that January is a low-volume month and can be affected by small swings.

"Sales shifted towards discounters during this past week, which helped to lift the week-over-week pace," added ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira. Last week, ICSC said consumers after the holidays had tended not to purchase items unless they were on sale.

Niemira also reiterated that January industrywide comparable-store sales are likely to be flat to up 1% "as lean inventories and the lack of the consumer's need to shop will keep sales moderate for the month." On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 2.6% last week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 3% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

The decrease came as consumers lacked a reason to go out and shop after the holiday season, and bargain-hunting consumers had limited clearance merchandise from which to choose. "If it is not on sale and the consumer does not need it, they will not make the purchase," ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira said.

Niemira said an ICSC-Goldman Sachs consumer survey showed that 53% of consumers said they were looking for bargains, with two-thirds of those bargain-hunters saying they weren't likely to buy an item that wasn't on sale.

Niemira said January industrywide comparable-store sales are likely to be "flat to up 1% as limited clearance merchandise is likely to hold back reported sales." On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 1.7% last week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 1.5% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

The increase--the biggest in the past month--came as consumers redeemed gift cards they likely received for the Christmas holiday. "Holiday sales were late in coming, but showed healthy gains as the season wrapped up," ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira said.

Shoppers in December had been slow to head to stores, lagging behind in their gift-buying as many dodged a winter storm that swept the U.S. earlier in the month. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 2.5% last week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.4% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

The increase came as shoppers completed their last-minute holiday season shopping, which had been delayed due to the prior week's winter storms in the Southeast and Northeast.

"Consumers were out in force to finish shopping and the preliminary indications appear that sales are on track to finish up about 2% for the month of December," ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira said.

Last week, Niemira said gift-buyers had lagged behind in their gift buying, having only completed about 70% of their purchases--about 10 percentage points lower than last year. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 2.3%.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs on Tuesday released the following seasonally adjusted weekly data on U.S. chain store retail sales.

WEEK ENDING INDEX 1977=100 YEAR/YEAR CHANGE WEEKLY CHANGE (percent) (percent)
Dec 19 488.1 0.4 0.6
Dec 12 485.1 2.4 0.4
Dec 5 483.4 2.6 -1.3
Nov 28 489.6 3.1 -0.1

ICSC Research expects same-store sales for December to rise by about two percent.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.4% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 2.4%.

The jump came as consumers started to make their final shopping push for the 2009 holiday season, and Hanukkah came earlier this year than last. "But with consumers still behind last year's holiday-gift buying completion rate, the industry is poised to have a bigger last-minute surge in holiday-gift buying this year," said ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira. Meanwhile, the group still expects December same-store sales to rise about 2% from last year. That follows an unexpectedly weak November.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 1.3% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 2.6%.

The weekly decline came following the annual post-Thanksgiving shopping surge. Amid that lull, ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira said shoppers remain "well behind on their holiday-gift buying completion pace."

Meanwhile, the group expects December same-store sales to rise about 2% from last year. That follows an unexpectedly weak November, with ICSC reporting on Thursday the industry saw a 0.3% decline for the month.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.1% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, the reading rose 3.1%, down a bit from the prior week's gain, which was the biggest since July 2007. The group again cut its forecast for November same-store sales growth, this time to 3% to 4% from last week's reduced view of 4% to 6%.

"Electronics and online shopping were the big winners during the launch of the post-Thanksgiving holiday season," said ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira. "But even as retailers opened their doors on Thanksgiving Day, consumers fell behind last year in their holiday shopping completion rate as consumers reported an average 42.2% of their shopping completed through the end of November compared with 48.3% during the comparable week of 2008."

As a result, that hurt November's sales but should help December. Retailers will give their first glimpse of post-Thanksgiving results later this week when they report November same-store sales.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index was unchanged in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, the reading climbed 3.3%, with an easy comparison allowing the figure to post its biggest increase since July 2007.

Nonetheless, ICSC trimmed its forecast for November same-store sales growth to 4% to 6% from 5% to 8%. But ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira noted, "So much of the monthly performance rides on Bargain Friday shopping" the day after Thanksgiving. The group also noted that 15% of households have completed at least half of their holiday shopping, the highest level in five years.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index dipped 0.1% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, the reading climbed 2.4%, lower than the prior week.

ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira said sales last week were again hurt by warmer-than-normal weather depressing seasonal-goods demand. "Customer traffic patterns were also mixed with improvement at department stores," he added, "but weaker at grocery stores, drug stores and discounters."

After last year's 7.7% tumble, ISCS has been projecting November same-store sales to jump 5% to 8%. But as Niemira said last week, sales are tracking below that range.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index dipped 0.1% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, the reading climbed 2.9% amid eaiser sales comparisons.

ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira said consumers aren't in a holiday frame of mind, with a survey showing more shoppers expect to start their holiday shopping on the day following Thanksgiving--the newly dubbed 'Bargain Friday'--than in any recent year. After last year's 7.7% tumble, ISCS expects November same-store sales up 5% to 8%, but right now sales are tracking under that easy-comparison inflated pace.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.1% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 1.9%.

"Sales momentum slowed at the end of the fiscal month of October as weather turned warmer and wetter," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. "However, for the month, as a whole, sales performed reasonably well and were helped by favorable weather and easy sales comparisons. For the month ICSC Research expects the pace of industry sales will be flat to up about 1%."

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.1% in the week ended Sunday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 2.4%.

"The retail sales recovery continues with its fifth consecutive weekly increase in the ICSC-GS weekly sales index," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. "For October, ICSC Research continues to expect monthly industry comp-store sales to be flat on a year-over-year basis, with a bias towards a somewhat higher outcome."

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.2% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 2.8%, the biggest increase in 14 months, according to data reported Tuesday.

"Though the year-over-year sales comparison was easy, consumers shopped late in the week helping to push up the weekly performance," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. "Weather was a contributing factor for the sales improvement as fall merchandise got a lift this past week."

ICSC still expects flat same-store sales this month, with an upside surprise more likely. Retailers in general posted surprise growth in September, the industry's first increase in 13 months as year-to-year comparisons have gotten easier.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.6% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

Colder-than-normal weather helped somewhat, particularly at department stores, which have long been ailing. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 1% in the latest week even as traffic levels were lower.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.3% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. "A bout of cooler weather helped to spur customer traffic, especially at department stores and discounters, and helped the month to finish on a positive note," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist.

The group expects retailers to report a 2% drop in same-store sales when the industry discloses its September results later this week. But Niemira said the decline could end up being narrower than that with the late-month improvement. The results exclude Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), which earlier this year stopped reporting same-store-sales figures. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 1% in the latest week

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.1% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

"Over the last week customer traffic picked up and as a result so did sales," said ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 0.9% in the latest week. The trade group still expects industry sales, excluding Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), to be down 2% this month from a year earlier.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index dropped 2% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

The drop is the biggest in eight months and comes on weaker traffic, particularly at department stores. ICSC called the slowest for that space since late April. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 0.6% in the latest week

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index was flat in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 1.6% in the latest week, with the decline moderating from recent weeks.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, attributed that jump to easier comparisons, mild weather and slighty better demand. He reiterated that in part because of weakness last year, sales declines for this month should be about 2%.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.6% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decrease 0.1% in the latest week, with the decline moderating from recent weeks.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said sales picked up last week "as the cooler-than-normal weather combined with the later start of the school year in some parts of the country helped to drive traffic." He added, "Although easier comparisons in September will help to improve the trend for the month, ICSC Research still expects sales will be down about 2%" from last year.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index was down 0.5% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decrease 0.7% in the latest week as struggles continue.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said, "Although the back-to-school calendar shifts will, on balance, boost year-over-year sales in August a tad, there was little discernible improvement in the trend during the entire month otherwise." He added the industry group continues to expected overall sales to be down 3.5% to 4% from a year ago when retailers report August data the next several days.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index was up 0.6% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decrease 0.2% in the latest week as struggles continue.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, noted the week-to-week bounces continue. Boosting results were last week's heat in the Northeast, which aided sales of fans and air conditioners. He added the industry group continues to expected overall sales to be down 3.5% to 4% from a year ago.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index was down 0.9% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decrease 0.6% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said consumers remained cautious and despite better weather, which may have helped clear summer merchandise, summer items were heavily discounted and didn't help reported sales.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index was flat in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales increase 0.4% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said sales were helped by the later back-to-school period start and 10 states that had later sales-tax holidays this year

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.2% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline 0.7% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said the later back-to-school state sales tax holiday from last year trimmed comparisons, but should lift sales this coming week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 1% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline 0.5% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said retailers saw another week of increased sales as traffic rose. The firm expects industry sales for July to be off about 5.5% from a year earlier with "leaner clearance than last year hurting the reported sales pace," he said.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.5% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline 0.3% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said although the increase was modest, it was spread across most segments despite chilly weather.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.9% in the week ended Saturday from the week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers' sales declined 0.7% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said the retail month of July started with the coldest week in 12 years for the country as a whole, according to Weather Trends International. He added the cool weather pared back seasonal demand, and said July will likely be another tough month, since it is a clearance month for seasonal goods. Many retailers have already taken big markdowns and have less to clear than a year ago, since they ordered less. ICSC expects industry sales to be down about 5.5% from last year, he said.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index edged up 0.1% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 0.5% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said sales for the industry were uneven in June, since the first half of the month was softer than the second. He added sales also were uneven regionally and by type of retailer, as dollar stores and stores offering "a wide array of staples" performed best through the month.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index were up 1.6% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 0.6% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said hot weather late in the week helped trigger spending. He said the late-June sales spark was a welcome sign for the industry, but said for the month as a whole, sales continue on track for a "tough month."

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index were unchanged in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales fall 0.9% in the latest week.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist, said the recession and bad weather continued to hurt June sales. Nationwide precipitation is 93% above a year earlier, according to Weather Trends International, he said. Niemira added the weeks leading up to Independence Day should be warmer and drier than last year, which should spur seasonal goods.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.6% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales fall 1.5% in the latest week.

"Consumers scaled back their spending over the last week as rising gasoline prices - the highest since October 20, 2008 - and unfavorable weather added to their cautiousness," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. He added for June, ICSC Research expects sales excluding Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) to be down about 5%.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.2% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales fall 0.8% in the latest week, the biggest decline in five weeks.

ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira noted the month got off to a slow start "as weather turned cooler than last year, gasoline prices continued to inch higher and the industry faced tax-rebate-inflated sales comparisons."

He noted the trade group expects sales, excluding Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), to drop 4% to 5% this month, in line with the declines in May same-store-sales reported last week by retailers. Wal-Mart, starting with May, has stopped providing monthly sales figures.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.6% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 0.6%.

"The month of May has been a rollercoaster ride for retailers and unfortunately ended on a negative note," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. "The good news is that the year-over-year pace remains positive which may indicate some rebounding of sales."

That likely won't be seen in the coming days as many retailers release their May same-store sales results. Niemira noted ICSC expects a 2% drop, with last year's results boosted by federal stimulus checks. The figures exclude Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), which for the first time in 30 years won't be issuing monthly data.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.8% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 0.5%. The weekly gain was the biggest since the week before Easter.

"The lead-up to the Memorial Day holiday weekend sparked some renewed consumer spending, which lifted the week-over-week pace," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. But year-to-year results are still being impacted by last year's boost from federal stimulus checks.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 1.2% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales fell 0.3% in the latest week.

"Coming off of Mother's Day shopping, the latest week's traffic and sales slowed dramatically and affected retailers largely across the board" said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. He added that retailers faced challenges in comparisons to last May, when consumers received about $50 billion in federal tax rebates.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.3% in the week ended Saturday, May 9, from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales rise 0.5% in the latest week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.7% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales fall 0.8% in the latest week.

"Seasonally hot weather helped to drive consumers over the last week with a lift coming from drug stores, department stores, discounters, wholesale clubs, electronic stores and office supply," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. He added the firm expects April sales will benefit by at least 1% on a year-on-year basis because of Easter occurring in April this year and March last year

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.7% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales fall 1.7% in the latest week.

Customer traffic was down relative to the prior period for most segments, including grocery, drug, department stores and discounters, pulling the week's sales down.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.4% in the week ended Saturday from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales fall 0.1% in the latest week.

"After three consecutive weekly sales increases, consumers took a pause in the latest week with discounters and specialty stores, such as books and jewelry, which were particularly weaker," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.8% in the week to April 11 from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales fall 0.4% in the latest week.

"Easter week helped to lift store traffic and sales, but the seasonally adjusted trend seems to have changed little," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. Retailers have been struggling to boost sales amid a steep drop in consumer spending and as customers trade down for discounts.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 0.6% in the week to April 4 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 0.3% in the latest week.

"Overall sales continued to contract on a year-over-year basis, but showed some modest improvement on a week-over-week basis," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. He added that sales were stronger in dollar stores, but there was a pullback at discount stores. The weekly result Tuesday followed a rise of 1.1% in the prior week and a decline of 0.4% in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 1.1% in the week to March 28 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 0.2% in the latest week.

"This solid weekly increase is a good omen for the retail sector and economy - though demand improvement has a long road back," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist The weekly result Tuesday followed a decline of 0.4% in the prior week and a 0.1% decline in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell by 0.4% in the week to March 21 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. This result Tuesday followed a 0.1% decrease in the prior week.

"Although there are signs that consumer confidence is improving in recent weeks, consumer spending continues to struggle - though not any worse than earlier in the year," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 1.4% in the latest week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.1% in the week to March 14 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 1.4% in the latest week.

"The sales pace weakened over the last week as colder temperatures and wetter conditions around the nation slowed customer traffic - especially at department stores - and with it weakened spending further," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. The weekly result Tuesday followed a weekly gain of 0.2% in the prior week and a decline of 0.6% in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 0.2% in the week to March 7 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 0.9% in the latest week.

"Given this, ICSC Research expects same-store sales for March will be flat to down by one percent from the same month of the prior year," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. The weekly result Tuesday followed a decline of 0.6% in the prior week and a 0.6% rise in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 0.6% in the week to Feb. 28 from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis. This result Tuesday followed a 0.6% increase in the prior week.

"February's fiscal month ended on a weaker note with a fall-off in customer traffic and sales this past week," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline 0.8% in the latest week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 0.6% in the week to Feb 21 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 0.8% in the latest week.

"Sales improved again this past week and extended its non-negative trend to four weeks - a welcome sign for retailers," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. "Although retail-sector conditions continue to be weak, the message appears to be that consumer spending is just not as weak as in recent months." The weekly result Tuesday followed 0.9% increase in the prior week and an unchanged reading in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 0.9% in the week ended Feb. 14 from its level a week before on a seasonally adjusted comparable-store basis. On a year-over-year basis, retailers saw sales decline 0.9% in the latest week.

"Sales posted a reasonably healthy week-over-week gain as seasonally warm weather combined [with] discounts helped to drive demand for spring fashion while Valentine's Day spending also contributed to the improvement," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. The weekly result Tuesday followed an unchanged reading in the prior week and a 1.6% rise in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index was unchanged in the week to Feb. 7 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 1.8% in the latest week.

"Milder weather helped traffic flow a tad this past week, but consumers remain focused on staples (food, drug) and continue to stretch their dollar by shopping at dollar stores," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. The weekly result Tuesday followed a 1.6% rise in the prior week and a 1.8% decline in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 1.6% in the week to Jan. 31 from its level a week before on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis, according to data reported Tuesday. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 2.5% in the latest week.

"Though January ended with a solid sales increase for the week, sales volatility clearly continues for retailers and the industry amid a weak year-over-year trend," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. The weekly result Tuesday followed a 1.8% decline in the prior week and a 1.1% rise in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index declined 1.8% in the week to January 24 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 2.4% in the latest week - the seventh consecutive slide.

"Despite the modestly positive sales influences which came from sales over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, the presidential inauguration kept consumers home watching television coverage rather than in stores," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. "As a result, weekly sales slipped sharply." The weekly result Tuesday followed a 1.1% rise in the prior week and a 2.3% decline in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 1.1% in the week to January 17 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 1.8% in the latest week.

"Sales volatility continued on a week-over-week basis, while year-over-year trends for January remained sluggish," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. "Being a low volume month with little incentive to spend will continue to make January a tough month for retailers."

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index decreased 2.3% in the week to January 10 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 2.2% in the latest week, as consumers complete holiday gift purchases at a slower pace than last year.

"A seasonal weakening in traffic, less gift-card redemption and adverse weather all came together to weaken demand sharply for the first full week of 2009," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. The weekly result Tuesday followed a 1.4% increase in the prior week and a 1.5% fall in the week before that.

The ICSC-Goldman Sachs survey, which examines 75 retail chain stores in the U.S., excluding restaurants and vehicle demand, reported that sales were down 0.8% in the week ending Jan. 3, compared to last year. Post-Christmas sales performed better than the last-minute holiday period, however, as sales were up 1.4% compared to the prior week.

"Bargain shoppers were out in force between Christmas and New Year's taking advantage of retailers' need to clear out seasonal merchandise," said ICSC chief economist Michael Niemira. Nonetheless, he expects same-store sales to have fallen by around 1% in December.

U.S. chain store sales were hit last week by sluggish demand from consumers combined with severe weather conditions in several parts of the country, the International Council of Shopping Centers said Tuesday. The ICSC/Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell 1.5% in the week ended Dec. 27 from the prior week and was down 1.8% on the year on a seasonally adjusted, comparable-store basis.

"The 2008 recession, widespread heavy discounting and adverse pre-holiday weather all coalesced to produce the weakest holiday season since at least 1970," noted Michael P. Niemira, ICSC's chief economist and director of research. "Although there is another week in the fiscal month, December's sales are unlikely to get much help from the post-Christmas shopping," Niemira said in a press release. ICSC expects December comparable store sales to decline by at least 1%, with some sectors recording double-digit declines.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 2.6% in the week to December 20 from its level in the previous week, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailer sales declined 0.6% in the latest week, as consumers complete holiday gift purchases at a slower pace than last year.

"Despite the underlying sales weakness, the holiday-gift completion rate rose sharply from 63% in the prior week to 80%, which helped to drive the weekly sales pace. This combined with the fact that a third of consumers reported in our ICSC-GS holiday surveys that they were buying more gifts instead of gift cards further helped the weekly performance," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. The weekly result Tuesday followed a 0.6% rise in the prior week and a 0.8% decline in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 0.61% in the week to December 13 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 0.4% in the latest week, as consumers complete holiday gift purchases at a slower pace than last year.

"Consumers again are dragging their feet on holiday gift buying this year," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. "This pattern of procrastination when it comes to holiday shopping is increasingly more visible in recent years." He added that U.S. economic woes is another factor in the weak in sales numbers. The weekly result Tuesday followed a 0.8% decline in the prior week and a 0.1% rise in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers-Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index fell by 0.8% in the week to Dec. 6 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. This result Tuesday followed a 0.1% increase in the prior week. "With the rush and excitement of Black Friday sales and promotions behind them, consumer spending took a break from the pace of the prior week," ICSC said in a statement.

Michael P. Niemira, ICSC's chief economist and director of research, added that "over the last week, the completion rate of holiday gift-buying fell behind last year, and with it, holiday spending." On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales increase by 0.4% in the latest week. That is lower than the 1.3% year-on-year rise in the prior week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 0.1% in the week to Nov. 29 from its level a week before on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales increase by 1.3% in the latest week. This is the first rise after two consecutive weeks of decline.

"Black Friday promotions provided the incentive consumers were looking for and proved to be a positive sales day for retailers," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. The weekly result Tuesday followed a 0.9% decline in the prior week and a 0.3% rise in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index declined 0.9% in the week to Nov. 22 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline 0.8% in the latest week. This marks the second weekly decline for year-on-year sales - the first drops since April 5, 2003.

"Ahead of Black Friday shopping, consumers are seemingly holding back waiting for those big discounts in the days following Thanksgiving, which means that a lot is riding on Black Friday shopping," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. Black Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving, when U.S. retailers seek to go into the black, or turn a profit, with major sales. The weekly result Tuesday followed a 0.3% rise in the prior week and a 1.0% decline in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index rose 0.3% in the week to Nov. 15 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis.

On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales decline by 0.1% in the latest week, compared with a 0.4% sales increase the prior week. This week marks the first time since April 5, 2003, that sales dipped on a year-over-year basis.

"Unfortunately, rising unemployment is holding back spending much more than the help that is coming from lower gasoline expenditures," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist.

The weekly result Tuesday followed a 1.0% decline in the prior week and a 0.6% rise in the week before that.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index decreased 1.0% in the week to Nov. 8 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. U.S. retailers’ sales rose at the slowest weekly pace since April as consumers curtailed spending amid increasing unemployment and tightening credit.

The ICSC said sales may fall by as much as 1 percent in November because a smaller number of shopping days after Thanksgiving this year will hurt spending.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 0.6% in the week to Nov. 1 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis.

This result Tuesday followed a 0.5% rise in the prior week and a 1.6% decline in the week before that. "Overall, consumers continue to spend on everyday items," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist. On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales increase by 0.9% in the latest week. That compares with a rise of 1.3% year-on-year the prior week.

The International Council of Shopping Centers and Goldman Sachs Retail Chain Store Sales Index increased 0.5% in the week to Oct. 25 from its level a week before, on a seasonally-adjusted, comparable store basis. This result Tuesday followed a 1.6% decline in the prior week and a 0.7% rise in the week before that.

"Retailers sales saw a slight bounce in the latest week with drug stores posting the largest week-over-week improvement," said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC chief economist "Overall, consumers continue to spend modestly and mainly on everyday items." On a year-on-year basis, retailers saw sales increase by 1.3% in the latest week. That compares with a rise of 0.9% year-on-year the prior week.