Sometimes when retailers get big same-store sales increases, you have to look behind the numbers.

You're getting quarterly reports and news about August sales this week, and retail stocks have also been beaten down, so you're seeing some strength in the sector. Retailers have managed their second half of the year well, which is positive for back-to-school and Christmas sales, both crucial for the sector.

Hard electronic retailers, like Best Buy, are seeing more of the tax refund dollars than specialty retailers.

As you can see, Christmas is spread out -- not just among December but among January as well. Promotions certainly helped to drive those sales and you can see what the consumer is looking for. It all depend on price.

That's disappointing. I think they [Penney] are having some category shifts going on with some of their merchants. They have been promoting but obviously their merchandise isn't appealing to the consumer these days.

Basically the economy is sluggish. We are seeing consumers resisting spending and the outlook for the second half of the year is not as bright as it had been. Even Wal-Mart said its second half will not be as strong.