according to thomson reuters i.b.e.s., same-store sales climbed nearly 4% this month. that's almost double what most analysts on wall street were expecting. among the standouts, target, gap, limited brands, and costco all handily topped forecasts. >> if it was a fashionable-type product, if it had color, denim, if it was the right type of product, it was selling. home was another good category. housing has been a little better. maybe that is translating to some better home sales. so, there are some underlying factors that are helping to drive the sales trend. >> reporter: but one of the biggest laggards-- teen clothing retailer wet seal. its august sales slid more than 18%. but investors shrugged off the news. shares ended the session up a little more than 6%. after the december holidays, back to school is typically the second biggest selling season for retailers. so, does the strong august showing mean we'll see an even stronger christmas? >> you may see a little bit of a slowdown in the trend. but comparisons do get a little easier toward the end of the year as you a