Department stores, up 8.4%, posted their best results as a group since January 1997. The group was led by Kohl's 16.3% leap and a 13.4% rise at Nordstrom. Dillard's, which had reported sales declines over the past three months, had flat sales in September.

Wholesale clubs inched up 2.5%, compared to their year-to-date average monthly gain of 5.3%. BJ's Wholesale had a drop of 0.9%, while Costco was the head performer in the category with a 4% gain.

Specialty-apparel chains had a strong showing, rising 4.6%. Without a 3%-slide by Gap Inc.'s brands, the category's gain would have been 8.9%. Double-digit gainers were American Eagle Outfitters, at 19%; Limited Brands, up 12%; and Abercrombie & Fitch, which jumped 10%.

Discount chains were a mixed bunch, up 2.6% overall. TJX Cos. soared, increasing 9%, and Target was close behind, up 6.7%. But Wal-Mart only moved up 1.3%, and Dollar General posted just a 0.5% gain.

ICSC's research department predicts a 3% to 3.5% gain for the current month. Consumers will concentrate on Halloween and holiday-season shopping during the period, says Michael Niemira, the organization's chief economist and director of research.