March sales stronger than expected

New York City -- Shoppers surprised analysts in March by spending stronger than expected during the month, despite rising gas prices, cooler-than-normal temperatures and a late Easter. The Thomson Reuters Same-Store Sales Index rose 1.7% in March, beating estimates, which called for a decrease of 0.7%. Same-store sales figures released Thursday by many of the nation’s retailers showed solid spending growth, with only a few exceptions. From Costco Wholesale Corp. to Limited Brands’ boost by a powerful Victoria’s Secret showing in March, a broad range of retailers posted better-than-expected revenue gains. In the specialty apparel sector, Zumiez shone with