NEW YORK -- Consumers spent generously on back-to-school items in August but were still focused on the bottom line, doing most of their shopping at Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and other low-priced stores.

But many mall-based apparel stores struggled to keep pace, indicating that a consumer spending recovery is spotty. The nation's merchants reported their August sales last week.

Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, reported its best same-store results since June 2002. Sears, Roebuck and Co., powered by robust sales in home appliances, posted its first same-store sales increase in two years. Same-store sales are sales at stores open at least a year, and are considered the best indicator of a retailer's health.

Swank retailer Neiman Marcus Group also posted August results that were well above analysts' forecasts. But gains at Gap Inc. were disappointing, while teen retailers Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle Outfitters Inc. suffered sharp declines.