Surprise Q3 boost benefits retailers

CHICAGO: Deal-craving shoppers helped a trio of prominent US retailers report that their third quarter managed to improve.

From Target Corp's cheap chic shoppers to Saks Inc's luxury loving customers, there were signs consumers were willing to splurge on a few extras. Just barely.

At Target, in-store revenue rose along with foot traffic during the three-month period, but shoppers were still buying fewer items during each trip. But shoppers at both stores and discount retailer TJX Cos surprised analysts in seeming more willing to indulge.