Same-Store Sales Boosting Santa's Sleigh

(Update: Cato and Zumiez guidance information added, along with total ICSC same-store sales figures.)

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- September same-store sales appeared, at least at first glance, to justify the hype, as 20 of the 29 companies tracked by TheStreet reported results in-line or exceeding expectations.

Overall, sales were actually positive, up 0.1% during the month, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers. This is the strongest reading since July 2008.

The good news prompted many retailers to up guidance for the second half of the year. And for most, these weren't just a penny or two increase, making the prospect of a Merry Christmas seem far more likely.

Teen retailer Aeropostale(ARO Quote) raised its third-year forecast after posting a 19% surge in September sales. Analysts expected a12.4% upticks.

Management now predicts third-quarter earnings in the range of 84 cents to 85 cents a share, better than the 78 cents to 80 cents it previously forecast.

Rival American Eagle Outfitters(AEO Quote) also said it foresees a more profitable third-quarter. The company said its same-store sales were flat for the month, surpassing the 4.1% decline analysts expected.

American Eagle now expects third-quarter earnings in the range of 24 cents to 26 cents a share, up from prior outlook of 22 cents to 25 cents a share. Analysts expect the company to rake in a profit of 20 cents a share.

September Same-Store-Sales

Last week, skate and surf-inspired retailer Zumiez(ZUMZ Quote) raised its guidance between 12 cents and 14 cents a share, from an outlook of 5 cents to 7 cents a share.

Off-pricers TJX(TJX Quote) and Ross Stores(ROST Quote) have been the biggest winners amid the recession.

TJX raised both its third- and fourth-quarter guidance. For the third quarter it expects earnings to fall between 71 cents and 74 cents a share. And for the fourth quarter (which includes holiday) it sees earnings in the range of 60 cents to 66 cents a share.