The retail sector continued to show mixed results in August, according to the latest findings of the NRF Executive Opinion Survey, a monthly index by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The Retail Sector Performance Index (RSPI) for August declined 9.9 points from the previous month to a slightly below normal reading of 48.1.

Reasons for the August decline range from the devastating effects of Hurricane Charley to shifting start dates for back-to-school.

"The impact of Hurricane Charley and the uneven pace of back-to-school sales has retailers reporting mixed results," said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. "Retailers' saving grace may be inventory levels, which have been kept under control and are helping stores focus on moving fall merchandise."

Customer traffic (37.5) appeared to be the major hindrance to the retail picture for August, down 17.5 points from the previous month and posting its lowest reading since March 2003.

Other survey indicators such as average transaction per customer (56.3) and retail sector inventory levels (51.6) appeared more upbeat.

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