Retailers report sales gains for August

NEW YORK (AP) - Retailers are reporting surprisingly solid gains for August even as unusually hot weather and job worries kept a lid on back-to-school buying.

The results are providing a sliver of hope for the recovery, but worries still remain about the holiday season.

As merchants report their results Thursday, Costco Wholesale Corp. is reporting a robust gain, boosted by higher gas prices and improved international revenue. Limited Brands Inc. and Macy's Inc. also had solid revenue increases.

But shoppers are still keeping to their lists, hurting a number of clothing stores such as The Bon-Ton Stores and Gap Inc. Target Corp.'s results came in below expectations.

The figures are being compared with a weak August 2009. They're based on revenue at stores open at least a year.