RAPAPORT... U.S. chain-store sales rose 3.4 percent this past week compared with one year ago, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and Goldman Sachs. The increase was the strongest gain to be recorded since July 2007. Chain-store sales in the first week of March were up 2.9 percent compared with the previous week. 

“To paraphrase the old saw, March sales started off like a lion as better weather got consumers motivated about spring-related merchandise,” said Michael Niemira, ICSC's director of research and chief economist. “Given this strong start, ICSC Research expects March sales will increase by 2.5 to 3.5 percent." 

LH