• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, March 3, 2011

It seems that consumers spent February doing something retailers love to see--not just shopping, but also shopping steadily, with retail sales gaining in just about every type of store. That will to spend is especially welcome, experts say, since it means people ignored disruptive winter storms and rapidly rising fuel prices to do so.

Kantar Retail reports that same-store sales grew 4.4% in February, down a tick from last month's 4.9% gain, but a solid increase over the 3.9% reported in February of last year. And the International Council of Shopping Centers, which tracks a slightly different index of stores, says sales rose 4.2%.

Department stores had results that were particularly strong. J.C. Penney says its same-store sales jumped 6.4%, with all divisions reporting an increase over last year. Results were strongest in women's apparel and accessories, children's apparel, and fine jewelry. Macy's numbers rose 5.8%, which it said means its customers are reacting well to new spring merchandise at both Macy's and Bloomingdales. Sales at Kohl's advanced 5%.