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06/02/2012 -
A mix of high- and low-end retailers reported steady sales growth during January. Saks, Inc. and Costco were among the winners that experienced the sales boost. Across the board, 20 retailers reported a 4.8 percent overall sales growth for the start of 2012, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).The ICSC also reports that the 2011 fiscal year saw the strongest sales in five years, accounting for retail purchases from February 2011 through January 2012. Throughout the year, retailers saw an overall increase of 4.7 percent in sales.
"There were no real surprises in January. I have seen a consistency of performance by a number of retailers month after month delivering strong sales," Michael Brown, a partner in the retail practice at consulting firm A.T. Kearney, told the L.A. Times. "This report shows some good tail winds for 2012."
Some analysts said that retailers will have a better gauge for the year's sales as winter clearance items clear out and spring lines are released. Retailers can set stores up for success by updating point of sale terminals with new retail technology such as contactless card payment services that increase efficiency at the register.
