Apparel fell 4.4% during the month, performing more poorly than in June, when those chains only dropped 0.5%. Gap Inc., sliding 7%, and Chico's FAS, dipping 6.7%, took the biggest hit, but others were not far behind. Ross Stores, up 1%, was the only apparel chain in the survey to record a gain.

Department stores, which were up 2.8%, posted a gain compared to their 2.5% loss in June. J.C. Penney, a chain with negative results over the last three months, bounced back, shooting up 10.8%. Dillards posted the largest loss, a 6% slide, which was more than it's year-to-date monthly average decline of 4.3%.

Discounters, increasing 2.3%, were up slightly from last month's gain. Target rose the highest, at 6.1%, while TJX Cos. was up 5%. Wal-Mart's discount stores climbed 1.3%, and deep-discounter Family Dollar inched up 0.5%.

Wholesale clubs, slightly down from June's 6.3% hike, increased 4.8%. Costco lead the way at 7%, followed by Wal-Mart's Sam's Clubs, at 5.1%. BJ's Wholesale clubs inched up 1.5%.

The reports note that some retailers are regarding this year's back-to-school season, most of which takes place in August, favorably. ICSC's research department predicts that August same-store sales will rise between 2% and 2.5% year over year.