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RAPAPORT... U.S. chain-store sales improved 3.2 percent year on year during the month of May, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). "The adverse and cool May weather did have a negative impact on some season retail segments, like lawn and garden merchandise and summer toys,” said Michael P. Niemira, ICSC's vice president of research and chief economist. “However, the underlying improvement in the U.S. economy, along with rising stock and home prices are helping to lift the sales pace.” For the month of June, ICSC research anticipates that the upward trend for retailers will continue, with comparable-store sales increasing by 3 percent to 3.5 percent.
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