It’s May in February

The May Department Stores Co. (St. Louis) reported a preliminary net sales increase of 4.1 percent for the four-week period ended Feb. 28, 2004. Same-store sales increased 2.6 percent (up 3.3 percent if you exclude the remaining 23 stores — mostly Lord & Taylor units — that May previously announced it will divest).

The company said that handbags, small leather goods, jewelry, and fashion watches continued to drive the accessories business and were particularly strong during the pre-Valentine's Day period, as were new fragrance lines. It said newness in jackets and skirts helped fuel sales of tailored looks in ladies' sportswear and suits. Dresses experienced a significant upturn, led by special occasion categories from prom to mother-of-the bride, as well as petites and women's sizes.

Also, it said, the momentum in footwear accelerated, and juniors and young men's sportswear businesses continued to be among the top performers.

The debut of Hotel Suite, the retailer’s proprietary brand of luxury textiles, china, crystal and furniture, was said to be well-received by the customer. Electronic gifts and home decor product also performed well, but the total home furnishings results were lackluster overall.

May's Bridal Group opened two After Hours Formalwear stores in February. In fiscal 2004, the retailer plans to open eight department stores: two Foley's, two Hecht's, and one Filene's, Meier & Frank, Robinsons-May and The Jones Store each; and 30 David's Bridal stores, an additional 18 After Hours stores, and two Priscilla of Boston stores.