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Chain store or "same-store" sales, a result that measures sales from stores that have been in business at the same location for a year or more, climbed "a solid 3.6 percent" in April, the retail group reported Thursday.

ICSC said much of the gains were due to a lift from the shifting Easter date, which gave April 2008 one more Sunday of sales over Sunday 2007.

There was also "a modest increase in pent-up demand" early in the month, when the weather was warmer and more convenient for shoppers, the report said.

Wal-Mart Stores reported a strong demand for video games, gaming systems, food, prescription and over-the-counter medications, the report said.

Saks said its promotional work contributed to a 23.9 percent increase in April, the report said.

Other retailers noted the "macroeconomics environment remains challenging", the report said.

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