And many retail analysts think that the buying might not end soon.

Retail analysts believe that the company had a loss last year, but they were not specific about how large it was.

Retail analysts and executives said they expected the numbers to be even greater this year.

Apparel was still first but some retail analysts question how long it will stay there.

Retail analysts tend to be more hopeful about the group.

And some retail analysts had predicted much higher Web traffic.

Retail analysts estimate sales have grown to more than $1 billion last year from about $640 million in 2005.

One retail analyst said he believed it would make customers more likely to spend on food and gifts.

Many retail analysts argue that the state has all the malls it can support.

But the larger regional and national chains have generally not done well, retail analysts said.