Retailers get back-to-school boost in August
488193
Major retailers, led by discounters Wal-Mart and Target, turned in better-than-expected August sales on Thursday, as consumers went back-to-school shopping despite higher gasoline prices and the nation's housing meltdown.
168206
Retail sales posted a modest gain in August, helped by the biggest jump in auto sales in more than a year. But there are concerns that spending could falter as the steep slump in housing and financial market turbulence weigh on consumer confidence.
629601
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. estimated that  August sales rose 2.7 percent at its U.S. stores open at least  a year, near the high end of its forecast.
445462
WASHINGTON -- Retail sales in August posted the weakest showing in two months as worried consumers curbed their spending habits.
545750
The back-to-school shopping season was not a disaster, but the respectable, if lackluster performance of retailers may have been driven by discounts that obscure troubles ahead.
107009
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. WMT.N lowered  its August sales forecast on Monday because of disappointing  back-to-school demand, casting doubt on the strength of U.S.  consumer spending in a key shopping season.
476629
With a weak back-to-school season behind them, the nation's retailers are focused on the holidays and what steps they need to take to get consumers excited about shopping again. That could mean some quick merchandise changes and more aggressive discounting than they originally planned.
232156
As promised, the retailer reported strong same-store sales in August.
389709
U.S. chain store sales rose in the  first week of August, helped by back-to-school tax holidays in  some states and summer clearance sales, a report showed on  Tuesday.
201501
Chain store sales rose more than expected last week mainly due to back-to-school shopping, in a sign that consumers continue to spend despite a weaker economy, two reports showed on Tuesday.
550216
The children's retailer turns in sparkling 21% same-store sales growth for August.
291760
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world&#39;s largest retailer, said August sales will be little changed or rise as much as 2 percent, hurt by Hurricane Charley and sluggish demand for back-to-school products.
605063
WASHINGTON - Retail sales slid in August as people steered away from buying cars and shoppers kept a close eye on their spending after splurging in July.    The Commerce Department reported retail sales fell by 0.3 percent in August, following a 0.8 percent gain the previous month...
339799
Retail sales in Britain rebounded by 0.6 percent in August, buoyed by higher sales in food, department and clothing stores, defying expectations of a second monthly decline.
618324
Consumers undeterred by escalating credit problems and a weakening housing market went on a back-to-school buying spree last month, helping many retailers rebound from July's disappointing sales. But analysts are still worried that economic concerns might curtail shopping in the critical months ahead.
137016
Retail sales were generally lackluster in August. Some outfits blamed Hurricane Charlie. Others pointed the finger at gas prices or the late start to the back-to-school shopping season.
3961
For the first time since March, sales of new homes rose in August.