Retailers in the US have indicated that the sales during the month of January increased in the country as shoppers opted for winter clearance deals in the country.

The retailers have expressed concerns that the sales might slow as customers absorb higher fuel prices as well as an increase of 2 per cent in payroll tax from January. The International Council of Shopping Centers said that 20 retailers have reported an increase of 5.1 per cent in revenues in stores that were opened at least a year earlier.

The data shows that the growth of 5.1 per cent is much higher than 3 per cent estimated by the trade group. The growth is the highest recorded since August when the growth was recorded at 6 per cent. The group represents just
13 per cent of the U. S. retail industry but it offers a preview into the trends in consumer spending in the country.

Retailer usually offer clearance sale deals in January in order to make space for spring merchandise after huge discounts of the holiday season in December. Customers increasingly look for such deals in the economic slowdown and this has helped increase the volume for some retailers in the month of January.