Bell ringing replaced hand wringing during the 2009 holiday selling season as retailers across the board reported better than expected results. A 29.4% gain in online sales enabled Macy’s to report a 1% increase for the season. Meanwhile, Bloomingdale’s enjoyed an especially healthy month “highlighted by success in gifts and designer brands.” Gap also managed a positive same-store sales performance for the month, growing 2% as results trended upward 7% at Old Navy and 1% at Gap North Americ...