Heatwave boosts US retail sales

Wal-Mart is back in the running after a tough spell

US consumers, the main drivers of the world's largest economy, have returned to the shopping malls after a heatwave generated better-than-expected sales.

The arrival of summer gave US retailers their best showing in months in June, with retailers such as Target Corp and JC Penney raising earnings forecasts.

Consumers snapped up summer clothing and air conditioners as retailers kept discounts to a minimum.

Retail giant Wal-Mart reported its biggest sales leap in 13 months.

Shaping up

Wal-Mart said sales at stores open at least a year were up 4.5%, ahead of forecasts for a gain of between 2% and 4%.

Costoc Wholesale reported a 9% rise in same-store sales, beating forecasts, while upscale department store Nordstrom announced a 8.1% gain.

And teen retailer American Eagle Outfitters revealed a 28% gain in same-store sales for June.

"Consumer spending continues to be strong because of good employment numbers, good income numbers," Todd Jones at PNC Advisors.

"The weather patterns shaped up to drive sales pretty strongly."

Analysts said Thursday's terrorist attacks in London may increase anxiety among US shoppers but no big impact was expected on US retailers as long as there are no other attacks.