Dec. Comp Sales Rise 3.1%

NEW YORK CITY-Same-store sales in December rose by 3.1% year over year, as consumers continued the trend of shopping late for holiday gifts, according to an International Council of Shopping Centers report. The results were better than expected, but would have come in even more favorably if warm weather hadn’t prevented the sales of seasonable clothing at some chains.

Wholesale clubs were the best-performing sector in the industry, posting a 6.2% gain. Costco shot up 9%, followed by Sam’s Club’s 3.5% gain. BJ’s Wholesale inched up 0.9%.

Department stores, with a 3,6% increase, came in below their monthly average gain of 3.6%. High-end chain Nordstrom soared up 9%, while Federated Department Stores came in with a 4.4% rise. Struggling Dillards posted a 5% drop.