Tough going for department stores in August

New York City Macy's said Thursday that same-store sales fell 8.1% in August, a larger decline than analysts predicted.

One bright spot was online sales, which climbed 15.1% during the month. The retailer said its online sales are included in its same-store sales results.

Dillard's said Thursday sales at its stores open at least a year fell 12% in August. Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected a decline of 10%.

Saks said Thursday that its sales plunged 19.6% in August. Analysts had predicted a 14.1% during the period.

Nordstrom said its August same-store sales fell 7.6%. Analysts had been expecting a decline of 9%.