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Chains Report Mixed Results for August: Retail sales were mixed during August, but the results reported by big-store owners Thursday harbored good omens for their back-to-school business and the holiday shopping season. August sales indicate consumers are willing to spend but that they’re likely to remain highly selective about where they shop. Some retailers, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Dayton Hudson Corp., reported sales figures slightly off their recent stronger pace. Specialty apparel chains such as Limited Inc. continued to report sluggish sales, but department stores had a good month.