1.   Discount retailers fared better on strong sales of seasonal goods such as air conditioners and gardening supplies.

2.   Discount chains led by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported higher sales of hot-weather goods such as air conditioners and gardening supplies.

3.   Garden.com, a purveyor of cut flowers and gardening supplies, has three holiday seasons under its belt.

4.   U.S. retailers reported moderate increases in sales during May as unusually cool weather damped demand for clothing and seasonal goods such as gardening supplies and air conditioners.