Federated Department Stores Inc. (Cincinnati) reported a 6.8 percent total sales increase for the five weeks ended April 3, 2004. Same-store sales also were up 6.8 percent.
Year to date, Federated’s sales are 7.6 percent ahead of last year’s and same-store sales are up 7.7 percent.
Chairman, president and ceo Terry Lundgren said the company was very pleased with the strength of its March sales, reflecting continued strength in career apparel and accessories. Looking ahead, he said April’s sales are expected to continue strong, resulting in a first quarter same-store sales increase of 6-7 percent. He said that although same-store sales in the second quarter will begin to be compared to strengthening sales from the prior year, Federated anticipates a same-store sales increase of 2-3 percent for the period, up from prior guidance of a 1-1.5 percent increase.