U.S. retailers post strong November sales

U.S. retailers reported strong November revenue results on Thursday, raising hopes for the holiday shopping season.

Deep discounting drew in shoppers throughout the month, including the crucial Thanksgiving weekend.

As U.S. retailers report their results, many types of stores — including Costco Wholesale Corp., Target Corp. and Victoria's Secret — have logged robust gains that beat Wall Street expectations.

The reports underscore that many people were not only buying gifts for others, but throwing in items for themselves.

The results, based on revenue at stores opened at least a year, are considered a key indicator of a retailer's health.