Retail Sales Highlights

I thought the retail sales reports were okay, especially relative to the negative stories floating around and dour sentiment with gas prices as high as they are.

Here are some of the highlights of same-store sales (vs. estimates):

• AEOS: +11.0% (vs. +9.3%)
• CHS: +7.2% (vs. +6.3%)
• COST: +10.0% (vs. +7.3%)
• GYMB: +24.0% (vs. +13.6%)
• JCP: +11.1% (vs. +2.0%)
• PLCE: +18.0% (vs. +10.8%)
• TGT: +5.7% (vs. +4.8%)
• ZUMZ: +18.2% (vs +12.0%)
• KSS: +3.1% (vs. +4.6%)
• WMT: +2.3% (vs. +2.9%)
• ANF: +3.0% (vs. +2.9%)

Market Comments: Stocks are hanging in, and have added to their early gains. Techs are picking up steam, and many energy stocks have come back as well. Oil is back to $71.50, up a little on the day.

long KSS