Metrics 2.0: Retailers post solid sales in August; Same-store sales rose 2.9%

As retailers reported their results Thursday, the winners included Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and many teen retailers such as Abercrombie & Fitch Co. and Wet Seal Inc. J.C. Penney Co., AnnTaylor Stores Corp. and Target Corp. were the big disappointments. Gap Inc. again struggled with its fashions. (AP)

The International Council of Shopping Centers-UBS preliminary sales tally of 52 retailers rose 2.9 percent in August, compared to the year-ago period, The tally is based on same-store sales, or sales at stores opened at least a year, a key indicator of a retailer's health.

August's performance compares to a 3.5 percent increase in July and a revised 3.0 percent gain in June.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said its same-store sales rose 2.7% in August
Target reported a 2.8% increase, falling short of the 3.1% gain expected by analysts
J.C. Penney said its same-store sales declined 0.5%
Kohl's reported 5.2% same-store sales increase, surpassing the 3.1% gain analysts had expected
Luxury retailers Neiman Marcus Group Inc. delivered a solid 4.4% same-store sales gain, and Nordstrom Inc. reported a 7.1% gain
Back-to-school sales sizzled at a few hot teen chains. Abercrombie & Fitch posted a 6% same-store sales increase. American Eagle Outfitters notched an 11% gain, while Bebe Stores saw a 12.5% increase. (WSJ)

Business & Market Intelligence

Retailers post solid sales in August; Same-store sales rose 2.9%