Retailers report a better-than-expected March

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NEW YORK — Retailers from discounter Target to department-store chain Macy’s reported better-than-expected sales in March in the latest sign that Americans are feeling better about the economy.

A combination of warm weather and high demand for spring fashions boosted revenue for the month, but analysts say there’s much more at play: Americans who cut back on spending in the slow economic recovery are encouraged by the improving job market.

“There’s a growing belief we reached bottom a while ago,” said Joel Bines, managing director of the retail practice of AlixPartners.

Overall, revenue at stores open at least one year rose 4.1 percent, according to a preliminary tally of 22 retailers by the International Council of Shopping Centers. That figure is within the range of the group’s March estimates, but several retailers from luxury chain Saks Inc. to food and fragrance retailer Limited Brands Inc., had monthly gains that beat their own expectations.

Macy’s, which owns the Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s department chains, reported that revenue figure rose 7.3 percent, which beat analysts’ expectations of a 4.8 percent rise.

Penney cuts staff positions

J.C. Penney said Thursday that it has laid off 600 workers, or 13 percent of the staff at its headquarters in Plano, Texas, as the company looks to streamline operations amid a major reinvention of the business.

Penney also will eliminate 300 more jobs at its customer call center in Pittsburgh when it closes the center July 1.