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%.