Retailers are showing relative strength ahead of tomorrow’s November same store sales results. Not much good news is expected. Although consumer spending might benefit from falling gasoline prices, recent data suggest that consumers continue to cut back on discretionary spending. Overall November chain store sales are expected to fall 1 percent year-over-year, according ISCI/Goldman retail sales estimates. Yet, the sector is strong today, with the Retail HOLDRS (RTH) up 77 cents to $69.95. The top options trades in the RTH are a 1 x 2 January 70/55 put spread tied to shares at $68.55. The MS Retail Store Index (.MVR) is up $1.18 to 82.59 and sentiment in the options market seems a bit more bullish, as there has been steady selling of December 70 puts for $1.05 a contract throughout the session today.