The International Council of Shopping Centers, in its ICSC-Goldman Same Store Sales report, indicated that same store sales were down for the week ending 5/25/2013. On a Y/Y basis, same store sales declined three tenths of one percent to 2.8 percent. Overall, the report was discouraging. It reported that retailers, in general, did not get much of a boost from Memorial Day sales, and that sales were considerably softer at discounters and wholesale clubs. Sales at department stores, apparel stores and electronics retailers did, however, show some strength. Indications were that ICSC-Goldman does not see much strength for the month of May. On a Y/Y basis, the report forecasted a rise of 2.0 to 3.0 percent vs. a rise of 3.0 percent for April.
