May Co.

The May Department Stores Co. (St. Louis) reported a preliminary net sales increase of 13 percent for the five-week period ended Jan. 1, 2005. Same-store sales decreased 3.5 percent — a 3.3 percent decrease excluding the remaining 14 stores that May previously announced it will divest.

Net sales for the first 11 months of fiscal 2004 are up 8 percent increase.

The department store retailer said its overall December sales did not reach expected levels. Moderate classic sportswear, coats, and dresses in ladies’ apparel as well as home furnishings were below store trend. Stronger-performing giftable categories included jewelry, better handbags, fragrances, electronic gifts, and luggage. Ladies’ suits and tailored sportswear looks appealing to the young-adult female customer continued to outpace the store. Men’s dress shirts, neckwear, suit separates, and modern sportswear collections achieved sales increases, as did young men’s apparel and children’s.

May’s Bridal Group opened eight David’s Bridal stores in December, completing its plan to open 30 stores in fiscal 2004.