Merchandising is the name of the game and when retailers get it "right", the proof is in the pudding (otherwise known as comparable store sales). ... In September, many retailers did just that, got it right, from the value conscious offerings of the "clubs" (BJs and Costco) to the more moderately priced yet fashion forward lines for children and teens and even the high end fashion offerings for those shoppers a bit more flush in the pocket who patronized Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. ... American Eagle and the red hot Pacific Sunwear found favor with fickle teens while women dressed themselves in the private label bebe stores' brands. ... After accessorizing at Claires, moms stopped and shopped for the tots at Children's Place, spurred by the annual Fall Sales event. ... Thankfully, the shopping induced headaches were relieved by the product offerings at Walgreens.

Some retailers have effected turnarounds, recovering from lackluster comparable store sales last year with good to expectional gains in 2004. ... Leading the pack is American Eagle with its almost 23% comp gain, driven by favorable merchandising for the teen market with bebe stores turning in another solid month from its private label contemporary sportswear and accessories. ... Women of all shapes and sizes were enamored of the price points and products at Stein Mart and Stage Stores with merchandising still the key at United Retail, Gottschalks and Dress Barn. ... More modest comps were reported by Deb Shops, Cato and Abercrombie & Fitch whose growth trends may have been "dampened" when Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne decided to visit (AKA Hurricanes of 2004).

Shoppers seeking value still aren't finding the goods to grab at Value City and despite positive performances at DSW and Filenes the whole "venture" posted red comps. ... The Goody Family took shelter, along with others, as Mother Nature wiped out shopping days with a four barreled hurricane season. ... Missing forecast with weak September sales, but encouraged by trends that portend a better October as cooler weather sets in, Mothers Work believes that increased competition may hold back improving results due to an oversupply of maternity wear at retail. ... Furniture deliveries and shopping took a back seat as weather issues kept couch potatos snuggled up on old sofas much to the dismay of Haverty's management. ... Christoper and Banks comps rose in several western states but fell heading east such that overall they were disappointingly negative as women passed on finding fall fashions as the storms rained on their parade. ... Strategic plans to exit store banners and reduce inventories resulted in Payless joining the Bottom 10 performers list. ... To All Ships at Sea, West Marine's forecasts call for more choppy waters as Charley and his following entourage swamped hopes for clear sailing and West Marine's guidance was lowered.

Great 2003 comps become high hurrdles to clear in 2004, and that tripped up Haverty Furniture, Children's Place, Chicos and Retail Ventures' units - DSW & Filenes. ... Goodys promoted family shopping sprees, but couldn't compete with winds that turned umbrelllas to kites and sent folks looking to buy buckets to bail with versus fall colors to spruce up wardrobes. ... For similar reasons Catherines and the Fashion Bug's negative comps derailed results at the "not so" Charming Shoppes.

America continues to shop as consumers drive a bumpy economic recovery, and we're following the old adage of dressing for where we're going. ... This was borne out by the handsome increase in Apparel comps that rose twice as much as Drug Stores, which reflected the steadily rising cost of healthcare. ... Always looking for value, we continued to flock to Mass Merchants to satisfy our quest for low price in a "one stop shop". ... Following this theme, Department Store comps rose. ... Home Furnishings sales appear to have cooled, albeit this may be just a pause that is also reflected in Consumer Electronics, both of which are slated to enjoy good holiday sales.