Retail Sales Increase Slightly

The nation’s major retailers today reported mixed sales results for February. But although sales were disappointing for some of the companies, the low rate of inflation meant the gains, although slim, were real.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., the nation’s largest retailer, said its sales for the month rose 2.4% from a year ago. No. 2 K mart Corp. said its sales spurted 14%, but that sales at stores open both years rose a much smaller 3.7%. Third-ranked J.C. Penney Co. said its sales were up 4.1%.