Gap’s Strong Sales Show Retailers Can Lure Cautious Shoppers

Gap Inc. said its sales came in stronger than expected, bucking the trend across the majority of retail and restaurant chains that have been warning of consumers’ deepening caution in recent weeks.

The retailer follows sales beats by Walmart Inc., Ross Stores Inc., and TJX Cos., the discounter that owns TJ Maxx and Marshalls, showing that chains can still win over consumers despite their deepening caution — as long as they nail execution.