May Bells Ring

The May Department Stores Co. (St. Louis) reported a preliminary 2.3% increase in net sales for the five-week period holiday selling season ended Jan. 3, 2004. Same-store sales increased 1.1% — but 1.6% excluding the remaining 30 stores that May previously announced it will divest.

The department store and bridal wear organization said that giftables led the December business. “The driving forces were 'initial' products, 'signature' logos and the appeal of color,” the company said in a statement. “This was particularly important in costume and silver jewelry, handbags and small leather goods, as well as ladies' tops. We also experienced strong sales in fashion cold-weather merchandise such as knit scarves, mufflers, gloves, and headwear. Other jewelry classifications that performed well were earrings and leather-strap fashion watches. Men's gifts had strong performances in designer dress shirts and neckwear, as did our 'gift headquarters' shops featuring interactive games, portable companion televisions and air purifiers. Non-apparel gift ideas from home that performed well included portable electronics like Apple iPod MP3 players, mini-screen DVD players and digital cameras. Cookware, novelty bakeware, gadgets and personal care classifications such as back and body massagers and shavers also were popular gifts.

“Furniture sales were strong, although the home store business, especially textiles and tabletop, lagged. Other businesses that achieved good sales were apparel for the younger customer in both tailored and casual sportswear and active and young men's collections. Shoes, boots, and ladies' suits also achieved increases.”

May's Bridal Group opened nine David's Bridal stores in December, completing its plan to open 30 stores in fiscal 2003. May also opened six After Hours Formalwear stores and acquired 125 Gingiss Formalwear and Gary's Tux Shop stores.