Last year's August increase was only 1.3%, the poorest performance that chains turned in all year, so this year's year-over-year comparison could have been strong. But record high gas prices and the 11th-warmest August in over 110 years held back their performance.
Wholesale clubs notched the industry's strongest performance by sector, with a 7.8% increase. Costco led the way, rising 9%, followed by Wal-Mart's Sam's Clubs, which were up 6.6%.
The weakest sector overall was apparel, inching up by 1.2%. Those chain's numbers as a whole were brought down by a 9% drop at Gap Inc. Strong performers in the sector were Abercrombie & Fitch, up 24%, and Chico's FAS, which shot up 14%.
Department stores were mixed, rising 2%. Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus both posted strong gains of 8% and 8.2%, respectively, but May Department Stores fell 2.8%.
Discount chains reported a 3% jump, with Target performing the strongest, rising 6.5%. Wal-Mart's discount stores turned in a 2.6% increase. ShopKo continued its monthly slide, falling 9.3%.
Due to high gas prices and fallout from the hurricane, ICSC research predicts a 3% to 3.5% year-over-year increase for this month.
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