US retail trade posted a minor increase in February. Retailers logged a 0.1 percent rise in sales despite a weak housing market and icy temperatures.
The retail analysts are quite disappointed as they expected a rise of about 0.3 percent.
The February sales figures released last week by the Commerce Department tells that apparel store sales fell 1.8 percent with many clothing retailers.
Of the 51 apparel retailers, 31 showed very low sale. With low-end to mid-end retailers like Wal-Mart and Costco delivered the most disappointing performances.
Meanwhile luxury stores, like Saks and Nordstrom were reported giving glowing sales.
As February is considered a transitional month in the retailing industry, the sales during next few months will determine the nation's economic health.