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Macy Had Better Than Expected Christmas: R.H. Macy & Co. said it did better than expected at Christmas, with sales at its established department stores rising 3.4% during December. The results marked a turnaround for the world-famous retailer, which was forced into U.S. Bankruptcy Court a year ago after a disastrous Christmas, 1991, left it without enough money to pay suppliers. Macy reported good December sales gains except in California, where many retailers continue to struggle amid a lingering recession. Macy did not reveal any dollar amounts for its sales at its established Macy and Bullock’s stores, those open at least a year. These sales, also known as same-store sales in the retail trade, are considered the most reliable measure of a store owner’s strength.