Despite the fact that Gap Inc. blamed its dismal August partly on consumers not spending, several other specialty apparel retailers reported that total sales and same-store sales were good during the month.
American Eagle Outfitters (Warrendale, Pa.) reported a 29.6 percent increase in total sales across its 526-store chain and a 9.1 percent increase in same-store sales. The Limited (Columbus, Ohio) reported a 6 percent increase; Bon Ton (York, Pa.) showed a 10.2 percent uptick; and Gadzooks Inc. (Dallas) saw same-store sales rise 7.9 percent.
Other specialty apparel retailers reporting had positive, if not so glowing, news: Same-store sales at The Buckle (Kearney, Neb.) were up 2.3 percent; at S&K Famous Brands (Richmond, Va.) up 1 percent; and at ShopKo (Green Bay, Wis.) up 0.4 percent.