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Consumers went shopping in May, but high gasoline prices and an uncertain economy weighed on how much they spent, as retailers posted mix results for the month.

Retailers that sell gasoline at their sites are turning in some of the best growth. Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST), for instance, reported a 13% rise for May at stores open more than a year. Analysts were expecting an 11.2% increase. Without gasoline sales and beneficial foreign exchange rates, Costco said same-store sales would have been up just 7%.

Costco's sales were boosted by gas prices that were around $4 a gallon during the month, but the high gas prices appear to have damped spending during May. A number of retailers that have already reported are citing consumer reticence in the face of economic headwinds.

"There is shakiness in the overall economy and it is being reflected in the numbers that are coming in from retailers," said Janet Hoffman, managing director of the retail practice at Accenture. "The cards are stacked against the consumer right now and retailers will have to work hard to bring them into stores."

Retailers were already looking at an uncertain second half of the year because of price increases they will put in place to offset higher cotton and labor costs. Now, they are facing further headwinds from higher gasoline and food costs, and from continued high unemployment.

U.S. consumer confidence fell to the lowest level since November 2010 in May. And housing prices moved closer to a double-dip decline after improving slightly early last year when the U.S. government was offering a tax credit for purchases.

Macy's Inc. (M) was an exception. The department store Wednesday posted a 7.4% rise in same-store sales when a 5.6% increase was expected, and it lifted its full-year same-stores sales estimate. Chief Executive Terry Lundgren said all units, from Macy's to upscale Bloomingdales and all online operations "met or exceeded our aggressive expectations."

But Victoria's Secret operator Limited Brands Inc. (LTD), which has been on a tear, posted a 6% rise in same-store sales, shy of the 7% Wall Street was looking for.

The same mixed results were seen in teen retailers, considered a good barometer of discretionary spending. Buckle Inc.'s (BKE) 8.8% gain beat the average expectation of 6.3% while Zumiez Inc.'s (ZUMZ) 7.8% rise edged out expectations for a 7.5% gain. But sales for both Hot Topic Inc. (HOTT) and Wet Seal Inc. (WTSLA) fell short of forecasts.

Some retailers that missed expectations said the economy and weather seemed to have played a role. Destination Maternity Corp. (DEST) posted an 8.6% drop in comparable-store sales when analysts were looking for a 1% decline. Chief Executive Ed Krell pointed to "the continued difficult environment for the consumer" and "severe storms and flooding" that ripped through parts of the country during the month.

Apparel retailer Cato Corp. (CATO) cited "continuing economic uncertainty" as it posted a 3% drop in comparable-store sales. Analysts had projected sales would be flat.

Aggressive Memorial Day sales toward the end of the month may have provided some aid to retailers' May showing. "'Value" retailers offered 30% to 65% off seasonal apparel and home merchandise, while "better" retailers held markdowns in the 20% to 50% range," said Marie Driscoll, retail equity analyst at Standard & Poor's Corp.

Stage Stores Inc. (SSI) didn't go the markdown route and ended up missing expectations. The regional department store reported flat same-store sales when a 3% gain was expected. "Our events in the back half of the month were not promotional enough to sustain the first half momentum," Chief Executive Andy Hall said.

-By Karen Talley, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2196; karen.talley@dowjones.com

--Caitlin Nish contributed to this story.

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