The Economy: Cheery Cherry Blossoms

In Washington last week, Government economists were as cheery as the cherry trees — and for much the same reason. Despite some sickly buds here and there, the economy seemed to be blossoming with the season. Warm weather had brought out the biggest show of shoppers in retail stores since last autumn. Retail business in March, reported the Commerce Department, was $26.47 billion, a 3% increase over February. After adjustments were made for this year's unusually early Easter, March figures were still 4% above retail spending a year ago.

All winter, customers...