BOSTON (CBS) – Even though snow fell and gas prices rose, retail sales increased last month and that’s a positive economic sign. The Retail Metrics Same Store Index for March rose more than 2%, stronger than expected.

Analyst Ken Perkins at Retail Metrics in Swampscott says 81% of the retailers reported sales figures above estimates. The best performing segment was discount stores even though large department chains are showing growth as well.

The biggest sales decline was seen at The Gap, whose comparable sales dipped 10%.