• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, June 1, 2011

Macy's says its same-store sales rose a healthy 7.5% in May, higher than expected. As a result, the company, which is releasing its results a day ahead of the rest of the retail pack, is also bumping up its quarterly and annual forecasts.

Total sales reached $1.79 billion, an 8.5% increase for the month, with strong results in every region, as well as in its Bloomingdale's unit. Online sales (macys.com and bloomingdales.com combined) jumped 37.7% in May and 38.2% year-to-date.

The Cincinnati-based chain says year-to-date same store sales are up 5.9%, and that it expects a gain of 5% in the quarter, and 4.5% for the year. Its earlier forecasts had those gains at 4% for the second quarter, and 4.3% for the year.