Retail sales topped expectations

Retailers helped lift the markets after beating many of analysts’ expectations.  Numbers include an in-line 1% drop for Gap, a better-than-expected 18% for Abercrombie and Fitch, 7% growth for TJX and a percent above that for Ross Stores.   Department store Macy’s recorded sales 2.3% lower, half the drop that was expected while JC Penney saw another 1.4% lower sales.  Kohl’s beat the flat forecast by seeing sales grow 5.5%. Victoria Secret maker Limited Brands surprised analysts with a increase, one not seen since Augusut of 2007.

More numbers:

• Saks was lower 11.6%
• Nordstrom was better with 2.4% drop
• Target saw another 1.7% decline
• Dillard’s slid 6%
• BJ’s Wholesale fell 0.5%
• Aerospostale comp sales rose 19%
• American Eagle sales were flat
• American Apparel reported a still bad 15% decline
• bebe had one of the worst with 23.6% decrease
• Wet Seal lost just another 4.5% in sales

A story on retail sales here.