Rebate Checks give Sales a Nudge

NEW YORK (AP) - July 10, 2008 Discounters and wholesale club operators including Wal-Mart, BJ's Wholesale Club and Costco reported better-than-expected numbers.

Some rebate money was put to work at clothing stores, such as Children's Place. Sales remained sluggish at mall-based apparel stores, including Limited Brands, Gap and Wet Seal.

The International Council of Shopping Centers, a trade group, says its sales tally came in at 4.3 percent, better than expected. It is looking for an increase of 2 to 3 percent for July.