-->Redbook followed ICSC-UBS this morning with a very strong reading on retail sales for the Oct. 29 week. Year-on-year sales were up 4.5% in the week, up 9 tenths from last week and compared with a 4.4% rate for ICSC-UBS.

Cooler weather through most of the country has helped move seasonal goods, which had backed up on shelves following weeks of unusual warmth. Lower gas prices may also be helping.