"It is a big deal," said Frank Badillo, senior economist at Retail Forward in Ohio, who said same store sales rose 0.8 percent in September compared to a year ago.

The International Council of Shopping Centers said same store sales -- measuring sales at stores open at least one year -- rose 0.1 percent in September from a year ago, not a lofty figure, but far better than the 2 percent decline the organization predicted, The Washington Post reported Friday.

"As we begin the holiday-selling season, our stores look extremely fresh and we continue to see plentiful and exciting opportunities in the marketplace," said Sherry Lang, senior vice president for investor and public relations at retail giant TJX.

While consumer spending is critical to the economy, figuring out consumer trends is not always possible through straight math.

"Typically, what you see is that the consumer will step up purchasing for reasons you can't say are supported economically" said Michael Niemira, chief economist and director of research at the ICSC.

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