NEW YORK (AP) — Retailers are reporting warm weather and demand for new spring fashions helped push March sales up.
Target Corp, Macy's, Limited Brands Inc., which owns Victoria's Secret and Bath and Body Works, and outdoor sports retailer Zumiez reported better-than-expected sales for March.
Still, there were some patches of weakness as worry over high gas prices and unemployment kept some spending muted.
Teen retailers The Buckle and Wet Seal missed expectations. Costco Wholesale Corp.'s results also came in just shy of expectations as currency fluctuations hurt sales.
The figures are based on revenue at stores opened at least a year and are considered a key indicator of a retailer's health. Economists closely watch consumer spending since it accounts for more than 70 percent of all economic activity.
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