News summary: Retail sales rise in July

Published August 2, 2012 5:39pm ET



THE NEWS: Retailers reported a key revenue figure rose more than expected in July, as shoppers hit the mall in hot weather and snapped up items on summer clearance.

THE CONTEXT: A tally by the International Council of Shopping Centers of 20 retailers found revenue in stores open at least a year rose 4.6 percent in July, higher than the 3 percent to 3.5 percent the ICSC expected.

WHAT’S NEXT: The bulk of the back-to-school season, the second-biggest shopping season behind the holidays, occurs in August and September, and retailers are hoping solid sales trends will continue.