DEPARTMENT STORE MACY's REPORTED A BETTER THAN EXPECTED SALES IN MARCH

THE LATEST SIGN THAT AMERICANS ARE FEELING BETTER ABOUT THE ECONOMY

A combination of warm weather and high demand for spring fashions boosted revenue for the month,
but analysts say there is more than that as Americans who cut back on their spending in the slow economic
recovery are encouraged by the improving job market.

Consumer spending accounts for more than 70 percent of all economic activity.

"Not only did we have nice weather, but there is a calming down or feeling that the worst is behind us."

In Las Vegas, Arm Candy, an accessories store at the Miracle Mile Shops has seen sales increase 50 percent
since January. "We don't need a special deal or price,people are just buying."

Macy's, which owns the Macy's and Bloomingdale's department chains continued its strong monthly
performance, reported that revenue figures rose 7.3 percent, which beat Analyst's expectation of a 4.8
percent rise.

Even Gap, which has been struggling, reported gains.The retailer which owns Gap, Old Navy and the Banana
Republic, was one of the big success stories of the
month.

It's revenue rose 8 percent, better than the 5.4 percent rise Analysts expected.

Clothing chains benefited from heavy demand for Spring
fashions.

"Stores are showing something new and different from a fashion perspective, and that's getting people
into the stores," said a spokesman from a consulting firm.