NEW YORK (Reuters) - August retail sales, always an important measure of back-to-school consumer demand, have taken on even more significance this year amid fears about rising interest rates, higher energy prices, slowing home sales and continued strife in the Middle East.

With some sales-growth measures showing sharp declines, August reports will suggest which companies are weathering the headwinds and which are likely to fall behind. A slew of retailers, ranging from women's apparel chain AnnTaylor Stores Corp. to discount retailer Target Corp. are expected to give monthly results and possible forecasts on Wednesday and Thursday.

"Sales trends and customer traffic seen in August will likely continue through the holiday season," said Dana Telsey, an analyst with research firm Telsey Advisory Group. "Shopping frequency is key."

She noted that companies including AnnTaylor Stores Corp. and J Crew Group Inc. appeared to be holding their own, despite the challenging environment. 

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