September Comps Down

Women’s Wear Daily reports that comparable store sales for the month of September were weak for many retailers, largely due to warm weather that delayed purchases of cold-weather items as well as less Labor Day shopping than expected. Hurricane Joaquin and its accompanying heavy rains also impacted shopping in the mid-Atlantic and southern regions.

The Buckle Inc. (Kearney, Neb.) reported comparable store sales fell 6.7 percent from the previous year. Stein Mart Inc. (Jacksonville, Fla.) saw a 2.8 percent decline and Costco Wholesale Corp. (Issaquah, Wash.) reported flat comps.

Cato Corp. (Charlotte, N.C.), however, did see a 2 percent increase in comps, which coincided with opening six new stores and closing two existing stores during the month.