The economy was on the uptick and the housing market was improving, encouraging signs that holiday revelers would spend more. But it wasn't a happy holiday season for Kohl's (KSS), Vera Bradley (VRA), Ascena Retail (ASNA), Family Dollar (FDO) and Finish Line (FINL) . November-December same-store sales, or sales in stores open at least a year, only rose 2.9%, below 2011 gains of 3.3% and a 4% growth in 2010, according to the industry analyst group