Visual Merchandising and Store Design | VMSD.com

(December 2010) posted on Thu Dec 02, 2010

Gap, Macy’s, Nordstrom report 3Q sales increases

As the holiday season gets into full swing, several retailers are reporting strong performances in November.

Gap Inc. (San Francisco) saw its net sales rise 6 percent in November compared to last year. Same- store sales grew 4 percent for the month, compared with flat comparable store sales for November 2009.

“Overall, we are pleased with our November results and that customers responded well to our brands' initial holiday offers," says Sabrina Simmons, chief financial officer.

Among its individual nameplates, Gap North America reports same-store sales grew 5 percent; Banana Republic North America’s were flat; Old Navy North America’s grew 5 percent; and international sales dropped 1 percent.

Year-to-date net sales were $11.81 billion, an increase of 4 percent compared with net sales of $11.38 billion for the same period last year.

Department store retailer Macy's Inc. (Cincinnati) reports its total sales grew to $2.344 billion for the four weeks ended Nov. 27, 2010, an increase of 7.8 percent. On a same-store basis, Macy's sales were up 6.1 percent in November.

"November was a great month at Macy's and Bloomingdale's, with sales exceeding expectations both in our stores and online. Black Friday weekend was particularly strong, bolstering our confidence as we enter the heart of the holiday shopping season," says Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and ceo of Macy's Inc.

Fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom Inc. (Seattle) reported a 5.1 percent increase in November same-store sales. Preliminary total retail sales grew 8.8 percent to $815 million for November. Year-to-date, same-store sales are up 8.2 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2009.

Charming Shoppes, Inc. (Bensalem, Pa.) a multi-brand apparel retailer specializing in women's plus-size apparel, saw its comparable store sales for the third quarter ended October 30, 2010, grow 3 percent while e-commerce sales increased 40 percent. Total net sales were up 1 percent to $463.6 million.