Wholesale clubs thrived in the current economic downturn, shooting up 9.2% as a sector. BJ's Wholesale had especially strong results, soaring 17.8%, which executives in part said was due to the Easter calendar shift. Wal-Mart's Sam's Clubs rose 9.5%, while Costco's stores gained 8%.
Wal-Mart's discount stores were up 2.6%, while rival Target fared better with a 3.1% boost. The top performer in the discount chains surveyed was TJX Cos., which had an 8% push.
Apparel chains posted mixed results, falling 1.4% as a group. Chico's FAS, which has experienced monthly double-digit declines this year, fell 17%. Gap Inc. dropped 10%. Strong performances included Ross Stores' 8% jump and a 6% increase at Abercrombie & Fitch.
Department stores were mostly down. Dillards fell 4%, Nordstrom slipped 3.8% and J.C. Penney inched down 1.7%. But Kohl's posted strong results, with a 3.5% jump.
ICSC's prediction for this month's sales is at 2%, taking into consideration high gasoline prices and consumers' concerns about the overall economy.
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