Retailers Reporting Surprisingly Weak December

New York, NY, Jan. 6, 2011 -- Retail sales in December were surprisingly weak after a strong November, merchants are reporting.

The month was hurt in part by winter storms on key shopping days.

Nevertheless, some analysts still expect spending in November and December to show the largest annual increase since 2006.

Target, Costco, and Macy's reported gains below Wall Street expectations. 

The December figures conflicted with earlier data from MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse.

Costco said sales at warehouse clubs open at least a year climbed 6% in December, below the predicted 6.2% rise.

Target Corp. said that it revenue at stores open at least a year rose 0.9%, well below the expected 4% increase.