There was a 4.8% increase in retail sales for January, which is much stronger than expected, says the International Council of Shopping Centers. However, January is the lowest volume month of the year and the low volume can be affected – positively and negatively – by small changes. Although some retailers doing well, others posted disappointing results as shoppers held back amid concerns about employment and the economy. “It was definitely a divided picture,” said ICSC chief economist Michael P. Niemira. For the full report, CLICK HERE.
