NEW YORK — April retail-sales figures offered more signs that consumers are starting to feel better about spending. But they are still keeping their budgets tight, sticking mostly to necessities such as groceries and health-care products.
In a glimmer of hope for the broader economy, some mall-based clothing stores saw their declines stabilize and Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, reported some strength in housewares and other discretionary goods. But with unemployment stubbornly high, the results may signal more bumping along the bottom than the beginning of a significant recovery.
Among merchants that reported Thursday, Gap, American Eagle and Wet Seal posted smaller sales declines at their established locations than analysts had forecast. The Children’s Place, T.J. Maxx owner TJX and teen retailer Buckle saw bigger gains than expected. But luxury stores again were hard hit as their higher-end wares found fewer takers.
Retailers benefited from warmer weather and people receiving their tax refunds.
