February’s Mixed Sales Bag

The majority of February sales reports show that the retail sector is still feeling the impact of the economic crisis and low consumer confidence.
 

Abercrombie & Fitch (New Albany, Ohio) reported net sales of $174.5 million for the four-week period ended February 28, 2009, a 24 percent decrease from a year earlier. The specialty apparel retailer says it comparable store sales dropped 30 percent.
 

Limited Brands Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) reported its comparable store sales fell 7 percent for the quarter, its net sales were $547.8 million compared to $614.4 million last year.
 

Liz Claiborne Inc. (New York) says its net sales from continuing operations decreased 22.2 percent.
 

Discount retailer Big Lots Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) saw net sales drop and comparable store sales decrease 3.2 percent for the quarter.

On a more positive note, mall-based specialty apparel retailer Aeropostale (New York) reported record February net sales increased 23 percent and same stores sales rose 11 percent.
 

The Cato Corp. (Charlotte, N.C.) says its sales increased 11 percent for the quarter compared to last year, and comparable store sales for the month were up 8 percent for the value-priced fashion retailer, which operates under the Cato and It's Fashion banners.