From Costco To Zumiez, March Sales Likely Were Strong

Retailers should show strong gains when they report March sales on Thursday. As of Tuesday, analysts were expecting March same-store sales to rise 3.3% vs. a year ago, says Ken Perkins, president of Retail Metrics. They see a 5.3% gain, when factoring out drugstore chains Walgreen (WAG) -- which is expected to see a sharp decline -- and Rite Aid (RAD). Store checks all month showed strong traffic and conversion levels, says Perkins. "I think it