Meanwhile, September retail sales released by the Commerce Department show that total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 1.1 percent month-to-month and 8.6 percent over last year, partially due to strong auto sales.

FORBES: Retail Sales Better Than Expected in September

Sales at general merchandise stores, a category that covers department stores, increased by 1%.

BBC: US retail sales inch up in April

Meanwhile, the U.S. Commerce Department reports that December retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.1 percent seasonally adjusted over November and 6.2 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

FORBES: NRF: 2011 Holiday Sales Up 4.1 Percent