National retail sales continued their consistent climb for April with many retailers posting comparable store increases in the +2.0% range. Several retailers broke away with larger growth. Ross and TJX continued their spot-on marketing to attract the value-oriented shopper and delivered +7.0% and +6.0% increases, respectively. GAP also broke out of the pack by posting a +7% increase for the month.

We continue to experience strong demand for talent-specific retail professionals. If your success for 2013 depends upon surrounding yourself with talented professionals who are committed to your financial objectives then don’t delay. Contact one of our Directors and start the process moving forward.

Click here for April 2013 National Retail Sales Results

For March we have removed 10 retailers off monthly reporting, while adding 24 retailers to quarterly reporting. Recent quarter-end values are highlighted in the color red for easy reading.  And retailers shown in italics are new additions to the report.

A cold March and an early Easter slowed retail growth for some national retailers. Shopping for warm weather clothing was delayed due to the cold weather, and Gap with -1.0% comp store is an example of this for March. And, the early Easter couldn’t compete with last year’s higher increases, TJX with -2.0% comp store for March 2013, had +10.0% for March 2012 being an example of this.

For retailers reporting their year-end and fourth quarter numbers, the footwear segment reported solid results, with Footlocker posting a +7.9% comparable store increase and DSW at +3.6%.  Home store retailers are gaining ground, with Pier 1 and Williams-Sonoma leading at +7.5% and +4.0%, respectively, for fourth quarter.

Click here for March 2013 National Retail Sales Results

Nationwide retail sales continued broad based growth for February with some especially bright spots in Home and Department Stores. This retail trend is further supported by numerous retailers reporting near-term expansion plans. The year 2013 will be remembered as a significant turning point for comparable store retail growth.

Specialty retailers like Carter's and Fifth & Pacific Companies showed consistent growth for fourth quarter performances of 5.2% and 13.8% growth, respectively. Home and Furniture stores are seeing promising growth. Examples are Lumber Liquidators and Pier 1 Imports that posted 13.2% and 7.9% comp store growth.

Our nationwide team is currently supporting several major retailer expansions, further evidence of increasing demand for top-performing executive talent.

 Click here for February 2013 National Retail Sales Results