Highlights
Chain-store sales, helped by seasonable weather, thankfully popped higher in the June 27 week -- but not enough to salvage the month. ICSC-Goldman's same-store sales tally jumped 1.6 percent for the biggest weekly gain in six months. The year-on-year rate moved back in the positive column, at 0.6 percent to end three straight negative readings. But for the month of June, it's too little too late: "This late June spark was a welcome sign for the industry and the economy, however, for the month as a whole, June sales continue to track for a 'tough' month with the early part of the month weighing heavy on its performance." Redbook's tally through the first three weeks of June was unusually grim. Redbook's latest report is out at 8:55 ET today.