Retail optimistic

The International Mass Retail Asso-ciation's monthly sales analysis showed chain store sales remained positive in February with a 6.2 percent year-over-year comparable store gain from the same period last year.

"We have every reason to be optimistic that the economy is recovering," said IMRA President Robert J. Verdisco in a press release.

IMRA members with positive same-store sales in February included Big Lots Inc., 14 percent; Wal-Mart Stores Inc., 10.3 percent; Target Stores, 10 percent; Dollar General Corporation, 7.7 percent; Family Dollar Stores Inc., 7.7 percent; and Michaels Stores Inc., 6 percent.