Retailers Report Strong Sales

Sales were strong at most of the nation’s largest general retailers last month as warmer weather and the late Easter holiday sent consumers into the stores to buy spring and summer clothing.

Sears, Roebuck & Co., the nation’s largest retailer, said its April sales rose 2% from April of last year, mostly on the basis of apparel. No. 2 K mart Corp. reported its sales last month increased 11.9% over a year ago, while third-ranked J. C. Penney said its sales rose 7.6%. No. 4 Wal-Mart Stores reported a 37% gain.