A strong holiday season is forecast.
Across the nation, bookstores are reporting strong holiday sales.
However, a strong seasonal showing does not guarantee a strong holiday season, Mr. Larson said.
There was considerable pressure from investors for Penney to deliver strong holiday results.
Retailers across all regions experienced better-than-expected sales after a strong holiday shopping season.
But strong holiday sales, analysts said, were a pick-me-up for the industry.
[Page C1.] A Profit and a Strong Holiday Forecast at Wal-Mart Wal-Mart posted its smallest quarterly income gain in four years but promised a strong holiday shopping season.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) — Retail sales grew at their slowest pace in five months in November, tempering expectations for a strong holiday shopping season.
Hopes for the economy remained high after this week's encouraging news about the job market and strong holiday sales for retailers.
But the sharp drop in the company's customer count during the traditionally strong holiday quarter, analysts say, raises concerns that the problem extends beyond Sprint.
Walgreen, the large drugstore chain, posted a better-than-expected 25percentt increase in quarterly profit yesterday, bolstered by strong holiday sales and continued growth in prescription drugs.
