Target March sales figure up 7.3 pct.

Target's sales last month topped the retailer's estimates, as unseasonably warm weather and an earlier Easter holiday boosted purchases of spring merchandise.

Target, the second-largest U.S. discount chain, posted a 7.3 percent increase in sales at stores open at least one year. That same-store sales measure is a key gauge of a retailer's health because it excludes results from stores recently opened or closed.

The retailer boosted its first-quarter earnings outlook based on the results. Target's total sales for March rose nearly 8 percent to $6.4 billion, from the same month a year ago.

Macy's, the Gap, Victoria's Secret and other retailers had good March sales as well. Same-store sales for the more than 20 companies tracked by Massachusetts-based Retail Metrics rose an estimated 3.3 percent.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.