New York - Last-minute Halloween shopping helped push comps up 2.6% during the first week of November, according to the Johnson Redbook.

Same-store sales in the discount segment rose 3.1% during the week ended Nov. 6, while comps for the department store group increased 1.6%.

Month over month, comps were flat.

As even casual observers have noted, retailers have gone promotional with their holiday offerings earlier than usual. "Some stores are already in a rush to cut prices and are extending store hours," said Catlin Levis, Redbook analyst.