Not so bad... That was the overwhelming sentiment of February's same store sales reports. Consumers went back to the stores and malls, but this time it was to look for big discounts, especially as retailers cleared out winter goods. Discounters and warehouse clubs fared the best, while apparel continues its uphill battle. Consumers are still struggling with high gas and food prices and a slumping housing market. Thus they aren't splurging and are focused on necessities, like groceries, and low prices. Despite the better than expected results, retailers still have to contend with consumers being more frugal with their dollars. With the Easter holiday coming very early this year, March 23rd, retailers should not expect overwhelming results, as early Easters are not typically good for retailers. The combined results of March and April will be telling of what is really going on in consumers' minds, as the results of these combined months is typically a bellwether for the year.