The number is the worst September increase since 2001, when the9/11 attacks and 2001 recession resulted in just a 0.9% rise. Inthis case, however, the weather was a factor: Wal-Mart, whichreported a 2.8% increase, said that 342 of its namesake storesexperienced business interruption due to hurricanes, though itsSam's Club division saw extra sales in those areas from shoppersstocking up on emergency supplies.

"Not surprisingly, the primary story retailers cited for theSeptember sales weakness was the financial crisis and the economy,"wrote Michael Niemira, ICSC chief economist and director ofresearch. "The best performing segments were the value and staples,which is a continuation of the underlying story."

Wholesale clubs rose 7.4% (5.2% excluding fuel) over theprevious year, followed by drug stores, with a 3.8% increase. BJ'sWholesale reported a 10.4% comp increase, with Costco seeing a 7%increase. Walgreens reported a 4.7% increase, Rite Aid a 1.7% rise.Target posted a 3% drop, while TJX reported a comp decrease of1.0%. Luxury stores, on the other hand, posted a 10.9% decrease,with department stores reporting a 9.8% drop.