Usa: department stores show excellent sales trend

According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, retail sales during April grew by 4.4% and a further increase of 4.5% is forecast for May.

The largest increases were recorded in the clothing departments of major department stores or in specialized stores, such as Bergdorf Goodman and Barney's. The Neiman Marcus group, of which Bergdorf Goodman is part, recorded sales of +14%, followed by +10% for Nordstrom. Saks recorded an excellent +7.6% mainly concentrated in the women's wear and teenager segments. Federated Department Stores (Macy's and Bloomingdale's) showed a 5.4% growth in sales.

According to the analysts, the boom in the clothing and footwear sectors has also favored the 'specialty stores', in many cases penalizing the more 'basic' department stores.

(Source: Ice)