Target's telling comment

Today Target reported good earnings based on expense control and on a modest revival in consumer activity. The company is downplaying prospects for the holiday season just as any sane company would do in this uncertain environment. One comment on their conference call stood out---they are seeing much more traffic through their stores but much less buying by those coming in. Are consumers scouting out their holiday buying or just glad to be in a nice building that is heated or cooled, well organized, and staffed with well trained employees. Is the higher traffic a sign of sales to come or a somewhat depressing indicator of the lack of buying power. Here's a bet on the former, knowing too that the latter has some truth to it as well.