BUSINESS MEMO: JANUARY SALES UP

Retails were up more than 8 percent nationally in January.

Sales rose 8.3 percent at stores open at least a year as chain operations slashed prices on left-over goods from the holiday season.

"Same-store" sales are a key indicator of a retailer's business. Wal-Mart's total sales were up 17.9 percent in January, with same-store sales up 10.3 percent. Kmart Corp.'s overall sales were up 9.9 percent, with same-store sales up 8.5 percent.

Dayton Hudson sales were up 15 percent, with same-store sales up 9.6 percent. Sears, Roebuck sales were up 3.9 percent overall and 2.6 percent same-store sales.

JCPenney sales were up 6.2 percent, but same-store sales fell 0.1 percent last month. Others with same-store increases include May Department Stores, 5.3 percent; Gap Inc., 15 percent. Some stores do not report sales on a monthly basis.