Retail sales comparisons for September

Here are comparisons of how major stores in four key areas of retailing fared in September compared with a year earlier.

The figures from participating companies show the change in sales at stores open at least year. This is considered a key indicator of a retailer's health because it excludes sales stores the open or close during the year.

—CLOTHING AND TEEN

Abercrombie&Fitch Co. -18 pct

Aeropostale Inc. 19 pct

American Apparel Inc. -15 pct

American Eagle Outfitters Inc. 0 pct

The Buckle Inc. 5.1 pct

Cato Corp. 6 pct

The Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. 4 pct

Gap Inc. -1 pct

Hot Topic Inc. -4 pct

Limited Brands Inc. 1 pct

Ross Stores Inc. 8 pct

Stein Mart Inc. -5.4 pct

Tandy Leather Factory Inc. 14 pct

TJX Cos. 7 pct

Wet Seal Inc. -4.5 pct

Zumiez Inc. -0.8 pct

—DEPARTMENT STORES

Bon-Ton Stores Inc. -4.8 pct

Dillard's Inc. -6 pct

Fred's Inc. 3.3 pct

J.C. Penney Co. -1.4 pct

Kohl's Corp. 5.5 pct

Neiman Marcus Group Inc. -17.6 pct

Nordstrom Inc. -2.4 pct

Macy's Inc. -2.3 pct

Saks Inc. -11.6 pct

Stage Stores Inc. -5.6 pct

—WAREHOUSE CLUBS AND TARGET

BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. -0.5 pct

Costco Wholesale Corp. 1 pct

Target Corp. -1.7 pct

—DRUG STORES

Rite Aid Corp. -0.3 pct

Walgreen Co. 5.3 pct