According to analysts with Great American Group, Inc., sales performance within the retail industry has varied by sector. In its recently released series of retail monitors, Great American Group reports positive trends within the off-price, jewelry, footwear, and home furnishings sectors, while sectors like office supplies and consumer electronics have struggled. Other industries, such as department stores and specialty apparel, have experienced more mixed results, which varied by company. In recent months, retail sales were impacted by severe weather in many parts of the country, which left shoppers at home and caused stores to close early or in some cases, all day. More recently, results point to a turnaround, as consumers are increasingly willing to shop.

Despite the mixed results, one common theme has been a continued focus on e-commerce. Many multi-channel retailers have reported strong gains in e-commerce sales. E-commerce results have been aided by last year's efforts to develop an omni-channel presence, with a seamless shopping experience for customers, regardless of which way they choose to shop, be it in stores, online, or via mobile commerce. Mobile commerce continues to grow in popularity, with many consumers shopping via tablets and cell phones.

"E-commerce is a big focus for every major retailer," noted David Triompo, managing director of Consumer Products for Great American Group's Advisory and Valuation Services division. "In 2013, virtually all of the major players worked to have an omni-channel presence, and recently we've seen retailers that were able to execute this plan reap the rewards."

In the coming months, similar results will likely be seen. Big names in the off-price sector will continue to perform well. "Retailers have realized that there is a lot of competition out there, and today's shopper is more willing to shop at multiple stores to get the best product for the best price," notes Triompo. Retailers will continue to keep merchandise appealing and pricing competitive to attract customers.

For more information about trends in the industries mentioned above, as well as department stores, specialty apparel, off-price, dollar stores, mass merchants, footwear, music and video, arts & crafts, grocery stores, pharmacies, and e-commerce, download Great American Group's latest Retail Monitors available on the company's website at http://www.greatamerican.com/about/industry-insights.html.

Great American Group is a leading provider of asset disposition and auction solutions, advisory and valuation services, capital investment, and real estate advisory services for an extensive array of companies. A trusted strategic partner at every stage of the business lifecycle, Great American Group efficiently deploys resources with sector expertise to assist companies, lenders, capital providers, private equity investors and professional service firms in maximizing the value of their assets. The company has in-depth experience within the retail, industrial, real estate, healthcare, energy and technology industries. The corporate headquarters is located in Woodland Hills, Calif. with additional offices in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, N.C., Chicago, Dallas, Melville, N.Y., New York, Norwalk, Conn., San Francisco, London, Milan and Munich.