Retailers Report Strong July Sales

New York, NY, Aug. 4, 2011 -- Many U.S. retailers recorded strong sales in July as shoppers escaped the heat at shopping malls and took advantage of aggressive discounts.

Retailers reporting higher than forecast sales included Limited Brands Inc., Costco Wholesale Corp. and Target Corp.

Now the question is whether the momentum will continue through the back to school shopping season, one of the biggest annual periods for sales.