U.S. Chain Store Sales Up in June

U.S. chain-store sales last month rose on a year-over-year basis by 2.6 percent, an industry group said Thursday.

The International Council of Shopping Centers Inc. said the gains came despite rainy weather in the Northeast and tough sales comparisons industry-wide.

However, the results were below the 3.8 percent average sales gain for the first five months this year.

In June, luxury chain stores led the way and posted an increase of 4.8 percent. Department chain stores continued to perform well as sales rose by 3.8 percent. Rounding out the month, wholesale clubs and discounters also saw moderate increases as sales rose by 3.7 percent and 2 percent, respectively. Apparel chain stores also saw a slight increase as sales rose by 0.6 percent.