8:55 AM New York – November retail sales were higher on heavy discounting and early store openings during the Thanksgiving holiday. Wal-Mart Stores elected to leave most of its stores open all day Thanksgiving. Saks and Nordstrom that do not rely on holiday sales reported strong gains.

November retail sales were lifted by stronger than expected sales in the last week. Heavy discounting attracted consumer to stores but not all chains benefited with the consumer interests.

Comparable store sales at Target were weaker than anticipated and J.C. Penney and Kohl’ sales were affected by the earlier store openings at Wal-Mart Stores.

Wal-Mart Stores left stores open all day on Thanksgiving and brought forward its holiday discounting at 10 pm on Thursday. Macy’s, Kohl’s and Target opened their stores at midnight on Thursday. J.C. Penney opened its stores on early Friday.

Wal-Mart Stores no longer release monthly comparable sales data but do release quarterly data.

Comparable sales at 20 companies tracked by 123jump.com increased 2.4% after increasing at 3.9% in October. Comparable sales in the month a year ago soared 5.9% and barely budged 0.5% in 2009.

Of the stores tracked, 5 chains reports decline in comparable store sales and two chains comparable sales increased more than 9%. Three chains are still set to release their sales for the month.

Costco Wholesale Corp led the industry sales with a sharp rise of 9% and better than expected sales increase at Limited, Nordstrom, Saks, Ross Stores and Macy’s.

Sales surge more than 10% that was reported five chains in September was missing but several retailers reported healthy sale gains.

J.C. Penney struggled with sales but online sales at Macy’s continue to surge for the fifth month in a row. Nordstrom sales soared 5.6% and sales at Saks increased 9.3%.

Costco Sales Rise 9%

Costco Wholesale Corp (COST) reported November net sales increased 11% to $7.51 billion. Comparable sales in the month at the U.S. locations rose 9% and at international locations increased 9%.

For the third quarter, net retail sales increased 12% to $23.1 billion from a prior year quarter and comparable sales in the quarter rose 7%.

Target Corporation (TGT) net retail sales in the month increased 3% to $6.19 billion from a prior year month and comparable sales rose 1.8%.

FRED’S, Inc. (FRED) the total sales for the month increased 4% to $152.1 million compared to $146.1 million from a year ago. Comparable store sales rose 1.5%.

JC Penney and Kohl’s Sales Fall

Macy''s, Inc (M) November month same store sales increased 4.8% and total sales rose 5.3% to $2.4 billion and online sales in November surged 49.6%.

J. C. Penney Company, Inc (JCP) reported comparable store sales decreased 2% and total sales decreased 5.9% to $1.7 billion.

Kohl’s Corporation (KSS) reported total sales in the month decreased 4.5% to $1.930 billion from a year ago and same store sales decreased 6.2% to in the month.

Saks Leads Luxury Sales Surge

Dillard''s Inc (DDS) reported monthly sales increased 2% to $479.2 million compared to a year ago period and comparable same store sales increased 3%.

Saks Inc. (SKS) monthly sales increased 8.7% to $277.1 million compared to $254.9 million a year ago month and comparable sales increased 9.3%.

Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN) November sales increased 11.6% to $910 million from $815 million and comparable sales rose 5.6%.

Limited Retains Momentum, Gap Struggles

The Buckle, Inc (BKE) comparable sales in the months increased 6.9% from a year ago and net sales in the month increased 9.2% to $94.9 million.

The Cato Corporation (CATO) sales in November decreased 3% to $63.6 million and comparable sales decreased 5%.

The Gap, Inc (GPS) net sales in November decreased 3% to $1.47 billion and comparable store sales decreased 5% compared to 5% rise in the prior year month.

Comparable store sales at Gap North America locations fell 2%, at Banana Republic North America were flat, Old Navy North America decreased 7% and at international locations decreased 9%.

Limited Brands, Inc. (LTD) comparable store sales increased 7% and net sales for November increased to $872.6 million compared to $893 million a year ago month.

Stein Mart, Inc (SMRT) comparable store sales in November decreased 4.6% and total sales decreased 5.1% from a year ago month to $102.1 million.