By Alan Fein

(AXcess News) New York - U.S. retail sales in September was better-than-expected at some of the nation's largest retail chains that reported higher same-store sales results on Thursday.

Kohl's (NYSE: KSS), Costco (Nasdaq: COST), Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD), Macy's (NYSE: M) and Abercrombe & Fitch (NYSE: ANF) all reported higher-than-expected same-store sales in September.

The Dow Jones U.S. Retail Index (DJUSRT) rose 1.6 percent in midday trading in New York after the same-store sales results lift retail stocks.

Kohl's reported a 5.5% increase in same-store sales.  Costco released same-store sales figures Wednesday, showing a 1% increase after taking out gasoline and weakness in the dollar.  Macy's September same-store sales fell 2.4%, but it was less than half the drop the street was expecting.  Abercrombie & Fitch reported a 14% drop in same-store sales, ANF also beat expectations.

Overall optimism towards the retail sector helped push leading retail stocks higher.