Department stores, which had negative same-store sales in both September and October, posted a 9.1% gain. Macy's shot up 13.4%, while Kohl's had a 10.2% gain. Dillards had the lowest increase, inching up 1%.

November was not as nice to discount chains, though, which had flat results as a group. TJX Cos. was a big gainer, with a 7% rise, but Family Dollar slid 3.4%. Meanwhile, Target only rose 1%, while Wal-Mart reported a 1.1% increase.

Apparel fared a little better with its 0.8% rise after previously posting two months of negative sales, but the sector was mixed. Chico's FAS plunged 13.7%, and Cato Corp. dropped 6%. But Ann Taylor posted a 3.9% lift, and Ross Stores rose 3%.