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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 3 percent, a jump "well above our expectations" the retail research group reported.

ICSC said discount stores sales rose 3 percent, drug stores sales rose 3.2 percent and sales at wholesale clubs gained 4.6 percent, excluding fuel sales.

Spending remains "weak" at specialty clothing stores, down 6.5 percent, and department stores, down 3.5 percent, ICSC said.

Wal-Mart Stores said money from tax rebate checks was making its way to store cash registers, but "the overall impact was relatively modest so far", ICSC reported.

ICSC predicts a rise in same-store sales for June between 2 and 3 percent, the report said.

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