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Some good news for retailers in July
New York -- A report suggests that U.S. consumers aren’t letting the summer doldrums or world unrest get in the way of shopping — although not all retailers are benefiting.
Retail sales rose 0.6% in July month, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Excluding sales of automobiles, sales were up 0.4%. Eleven of 13 major categories showed increases.
The Commerce Department also revised June's 0.3% decline in retail sales to an unchanged reading.
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Nordstrom sizzles, especially online
Seattle -- Finally some good news in the department store sector.
Nordstrom Inc. on Thursday reported better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter earnings and sales.
The retailer reported net profit of $211 million, or $1.09 a share, for the quarter ending Aug. 1, up from $183 million, or 95 cents a share, in the year-ago period.

