Apparel chains, rising 3.2% as a sector, doubled their year-to-date average monthly increase. As it has for much of the year, Abercrombie & Fitch was the best performer of its peers, soaring 23%. Ann Taylor, jumping 12.9%, and Chico's FAS, up 11.8%, also turned in strong results. However American Eagle Outfitters, which has posted double-digit gains most months of the year, only crept up 1.7%, due to weaknesses in its women's department, among other factors.
Department stores, inching up 0.6%, were well below their monthly average increase of 2.1%. While Neiman Marcus, gaining 4%, and J.C. Penney moving up 3.6%, posted solid results, Federated Department Stores, the sector's largest chain, slid by 3.4%.
In the discount sector, Wal-Mart, which rose 3.8%, bested Target's 2.6%, marking the first time it has outperformed its competitor since May last year. ShopKo Stores continued to struggle, slipping by 3.9%.
Wholesale clubs' 6.1% increase was slightly down from its year-to-date average of 6.4%. Wal-Mart's Sam's Clubs, up 7%, beat Costco's 6% increase. Meanwhile BJ's Wholesale crawled up 1.8%, falling behind 4.2% monthly average.
In December, Niemira predicts much of the same, forecasting that retailers will post another 3.5% increase. He is now predicting that holiday results could come in at the high end of his 3% to 3.5% prediction.
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