Apparently higher gas prices and the expiration of the payroll tax holiday didn't stop consumers from shopping till they dropped in January. A composite of 18 retailers tracked by Thomson Reuters posted a solid +5.8% increase in same-store sales for January, well above expectations of +3.5%.

Here are some of the standouts for January:

Kohl's Corp. (KSS): +13.3%
Macy's Inc. (M): +11.7%
Nordstrom Inc (JWN): +11.4%
Stage Stores Inc. (SSI): +10.5%
Limited Brands Inc. (LTD): +9%
Gap Inc (GPS): +8%

I think that at least some of this can be attributed to the wealth effect from higher stock and home prices. Especially the home prices part considering the painful 6 year slump in home values.

What do you think is behind this recent consumer strength? Chime in below.


 
GAP INC (GPS): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
NORDSTROM INC (JWN): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
KOHLS CORP (KSS): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
LIMITED BRANDS (LTD): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
MACYS INC (M): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
STAGE STORES (SSI): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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