May sales slower for retailers

NEW YORK — Although consumer confidence may be increasing, it's not showing up at the cash register yet. Many retailers posted disappointing May sales on Thursday, and food and necessities remained high on shoppers' lists.

According to a Goldman Sachs/ICSC tally, overall same-store sales fell 4.6 percent, worse than the 3-percent drop predicted. The lower-than-expected results did not include Wal-Mart, which in recent months has boosted total results, but has stopped reporting monthly figures.

In Florida, consumer confidence has increased four of the five months of 2009 as perceptions about personal finances and national economic conditions continue to improve.

"The makeup of the consumer confidence index in May reflects optimism about the economy in the short run," said Chris McCarty, survey director of the Florida Consumer Confidence Index in a recent new release. "Floridians are saying in May they don't have the money to buy, but they expect to within a year."

May sales slower for retailers - Tallahassee Democrat - June 5, 2009