August same-store sales decline for many though drops are not severe for most

August same-store sales were down for many retailers compared to last year, but the declines were not in the double-digit range in most cases. With the late Labor Day, some back-to-school sales also shifted to September.

Here are some results for industry customers and competitors. PacSun is not included because the chain no longer reports monthly same-store sales results.

While The Buckle's same-store sales were positive in August, the growth has slowed as the company anniversaries tough comparisons. However, the chain's young women's division is worth studying as it posted some of the strongest results in the retail industry this month. Total women's sales rose 18 percent with nearly every category reporting strong results. The Buckle buyers appeared to get the fall assortment right on the women's side.

Abercrombie & Fitch continues to post some of the worst results in the retail sector and the company's Hollister chain is performing particularly badly.

Zumiez

Same-store sales: down 12.1 percent

Week one: down 11.5 percent
Week two: down 14.3 percent
Week three: down 8.6 percent
Week four: down 14.1 percent

Categories: all departments posted negative comps

Year-to-date: comps down 16 percent

The Buckle

Same-store sales: up 3.6 percent

Total men's sales: down 3 percent

Positive men's categories: denim, outerwear, footwear

Total women's sales: up 18 percent

Positive women's categories: denim, woven and knit tops, sweaters, outerwear, accessories, footwear.

Accessories: up 10.5 percent

Footwear: up 17 percent

Macy's

Same-store sales: down 8.1 percent

Nordstrom

Same-store sales: down 7.6 percent

Strong categories: Coats and dresses, Point of View, accessories.

Strong regions: Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South

American Apparel

Same-store sales: down 20 percent

Hot Topic

Total same-store sales: down 8.1 percent

Hot Topic stores: down 8.6 percent

Torrid stores: down 5.7 percent

Abercrombie & Fitch

Total company same-store sales: down 29 percent

Same-store sales by chain:

Hollister: down 32 percent

Ruehl: down 37 percent

Abercrombie: down 26 percent

Abercrombie & Fitch: down 26 percent

Aeropostalé

Same-store sales: up 9 percent

Note: Stronger than expected results in August led the company to raise its third quarter earnings guidance.