Retail sales improve in February

Seekonk (WPRI) - Retail sales were up modestly in February, thanks in large part to discount retailers like Wal-Mart, which saw a 5.1% percent increase from the previous year.

Overall, retail sales rose .7% in February.  A 1.2% drop was expected.

Locally, we found many people are choosing discount retailers to purchase essentials for their homes, like food.

"In this economy, we have to be more thrifty," one Wal-Mart shopper tells Eyewitness News.

Another says, "I'm choosing Wal-Mart because of  the price and the variety."

Warehouse stores are also doing well, as shoppers search for bargains.  BJ's Wholesale Club reported an increase in both sales and profits for the last fiscal quarter.

Local shoppers tell us they notice more people turning to stores like BJ's.

"It's definitely becoming more popular because the store is becoming more crowded," according to one BJ's customer.