NEW YORK–The economic stimulus checks and warm weather helped lift June sales somewhat at retail, as home pulled in mixed results across sectors.
Same-store sales among the nation’s largest retailers averaged 0.5 percent in June, compared with a 0.2 percent dip in May.
Mass merchants and warehouse clubs continued to outshine department stores, posting a 5.9 percent comparable-store sales gain, and 4.2 decline for the month, respectively.
At Wal-Mart, home posted comp-store sales increases, while the category declined in the high single-digit range at arch-rival Target.
Meanwhile, mattresses were among the best performing categories at Sam’s Club, while air conditioners were hot at BJ’s, although furniture was weak.
Gasoline price inflation helped lift sales at the warehouse clubs, including Costco.
At department stores J.C. Penney and Bon-Ton, home was weak across the board, while textiles and tabletop were sluggish at Gottschalks, the retailers said.