May sales give retailers a welcome surprise

Despite stores’ fears of tightened purse strings, rebate checks appear to have provided a boost

By Abha Bhattarai / The Bulletin
June 6, 2008

Retailers’ fears that their customers would keep their pocketbooks shut proved to be unfounded in May.

Despite falling consumer confidence and gas prices that teetered around $4 a gallon, retailers said Thursday that same-store sales for May were stronger than expected, touching off a....

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