NEW YORK, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- U.S. retail stores reported rising receipts in the week ending Saturday with a boost from Veterans Day discounts, a prominent trade group said.
The International Council of Shopping Centers said receipts rose 0.1 percent in the week for a second consecutive week of gains. Compared to the same week of 2012, sales rose 2.8 percent, the trade group said.
"The consumer seemed to take advantage of the Veterans Day holiday and week more so than last year to shop and spend," said Michael Niemira, the council's vice president of research and chief economist.
Niemira said the weekly survey "found strong demand across most retail segments and very strong gains for department stores, apparel stores, discounters and wholesale clubs, in particular."
