SmallBusinessNewz

The nationwide sales slide has stopped (or at least temporarily paused), according to a new report from the National Retail Federation.  Indeed, figures from January and February actually show that small increases are taking place in a number of sectors.

Things still don't look fantastic on a year-over-year basis, of course, but here's the good news about what's happened recently.  (Please forgive all the ellipses - we've just edited out the obvious and discouraging long-term point of view.)

The NRF stated, "Sales at furniture and home furnishing stores grew 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted from January . . . .  Electronics and appliance stores sales increased 1.2 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month . . . .  Clothing and clothing accessory stores sales rose a solid 2.8 percent seasonally adjusted from last month . . ."

And finally, "Sales at sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores also increased 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month . . ."

Every upward tick has to be considered a good sign at this point.  With luck, the March statistics will continue these trends, and then - what's the harm in hoping? - year-over-year figures will head into positive territory.