National Retail Federation (NRF)

Online sales along with a boost in revenue for clothing and accessories kept sales in the black during the year's ninth month.

The National Retail Federation's monthly Global Tracker Report forecasts October port traffic to remain strong despite the recent work stoppage.

In a letter to the President, the federation urges 'all available authority and tools' be used to reopen the ports and bring the parties back to the bargaining table.

An annual survey by the National Retail Federation shows a growing movement of consumers who are getting a head start on shopping for their October holiday needs.

Figures from the National Retail Federation's CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor show gains in the year's eighth month as job growth and inflation both ease.

Retailers worried about a possible work stoppage at the end of September is leading some to bring in extra products through the late summer and early fall.

Retailers ramp up imports over concerns of a possible work stoppage at East Coast and West Coast ports.

Figures from the Census Bureau and the National Retail Federation show consumers continue to spend into the year's second half.