ICSC: Retail week 'uneven'

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Sales receipts at U.S. chain stores rose 0.3 percent over the previous week and 3.1 percent over the same week a year ago, a trade group said.

In the week ending Friday, sales were "uneven" the International Council of Shopping Centers said.

Sales rose 'for some retail segments -- such as apparel stores -- and not for others, the weekly survey found.

Cold weather was helpful, driving sales of seasonal items, including Thanksgiving items, ICSC said.

Weather Trends International noted a long-range prediction that Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is expected to be "much milder than last year and the warmest in five years and also much wetter than last year making this the wettest Black Friday in eight years.

"Overall the weather impact will be less favorable," the report said.