COLUMBUS, Ohio — Monthly sales figures from retailers released Thursday illustrate that spending is leveling off from modest growth shown earlier this year.
A composite of 31 retailers reporting sales for the four weeks ending July 31 showed same-store sales gains of 2.9%, slightly lower than June’s 3.2% growth, according to Kantar Retail here. Among retailers selling food, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Natick, Mass., said same-store sales without fuel improved by 1.9% and Costco, Issaquah, Wash., reported 3% non-fuel comps in the U.S.
In a report Thursday, Kantar said its monthly ShopperScape survey showed spending intentions improving among wealthier shoppers as the stock market in July stabilized, and deteriorating spending intentions among mid-market and lower-income shoppers.
