Target same-store sales rise, ahead of analyst expectations

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Target had a better February than analysts were expecting.

The discount retailer says sales at stores open at least a year rose a half-percent last month. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expected a decline of 0.2 percent.

Target says the strongest-selling merchandise in February was healthcare products, food and shoes. Weaker categories included home furnishings, men's apparel and accessories.

Chairman and CEO Bob Ulrich says the sales performance was in line with what Target expected.