As shoppers inch their way toward pre-recession spending levels, they're changing channels again, and May retail results indicate just how elusive defining the "new normal" may be. Big gainers for the
month include warehouse clubs, with Costco's same-store sales up 9%, and BJ's Wholesale Clubs up 6.8%, as well as some luxury retailers, with Neiman Marcus up 7.8% and Saks up 5.8%. Gains were more
muted at department stores and specialty apparel companies, and many in the teen sector declined.