RETAILING & MARKETING

Sears Holiday Sales Better Than Expected: Sears, Roebuck & Co. said sales at its 858 department stores at the start of the holiday season exceeded expectations, benefiting from improved consumer confidence and aggressive advertising. “We are generally encouraged by sales over the weekend. They exceeded our expectations,� said Matt Howard, senior vice president of marketing. Howard declined to disclose the retailer’s specific sales targets. Sears Merchandise Group, the nation’s third-largest retailer, will report its November sales results on Thursday, along with most other major retailers.