The U.S. consumer, who has gone right on buying heavily despite the recession, finally showed some signs of slowing up. The Federal Reserve Board reported last week that March department-store sales failed to live up to expectations. While sales were 1% above a year ago, the board had expected a rise of 6% because of the early Easter. New York stores were up 7%, Minneapolis 6%, Atlanta 4%, but Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis and Dallas were all down, as much as 3%. Hoping to stir renewed interest. Sears, Roebuck & Co. announced an average 13% price cut in its spring...
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