Same store sales in May mostly disappointed

It's the monthly round-up of same store sales (aka comparable-store sales) again. Same store sales is an important metric of the health of retail businesses. It compares the sales of a store open for at least a year with the figure a year ago. This metric thus excludes sales of new openings and closings.

From Benzinga.com

Costco Wholesale Corp (COST) reported a 13% rise in its May comparable-store sales on Thursday. The retailer's net sales surged 17% to $7.14 billion, from $6.09 billion in the year-ago month. However, analysts expected same-store sales to rise 11.2% for the month. Its same-store sales increased 11% in the US and 21% internationally. Excluding higher gasoline prices and the positive effect of stronger foreign currencies against the US dollar, Costco's same-store sales climbed 7% for the month.

Target Corp (TGT) reported a 2.8% rise in its May same-store sales on Thursday. Analysts were expecting same-store sales to increase 3.5%. Its net sales for the four weeks ended May 28 surged 3.8% to $$4.8 billion.

Dillard's Inc (DDS ) reported a 2% increase in its May same-store sales on Thursday. Dillard's total sales for the four weeks ended May 28 surged 2% to $434.7 million. However, analysts were expecting same-store sales to increase 3.5%.

The Gap Inc (GPS) reported a 4% drop in its May same-store sales. Gap's net sales came in at $1.06 billion, versus $1.05 billion, in the year-ago quarter. Analysts were expecting a 1% fall in comparable sales. Gap North America's comparable sales dropped 4%, while its international same-store sales dipped 9%.
Ross Stores Inc (ROST) reported a 4% rise in its May same-store sales on Thursday. ROST's total sales for the four weeks ended May 28 climbed 8% to $661 million. However, analysts were expecting same-store sales to climb 3.8%.

Nordstrom Inc (JWN) reported a 7.4% rise in its May same-store sales on Thursday. Nordstrom's total retail sales for the four-week period ended May 28 climbed 13% to $796 million. Analysts were expecting same-store sales to increase 5.9%.

Stage Stores Inc (SSI) reported a 1.1% rise in its May same-store sales on Thursday. SSI's May same-store sales surged to $117 million. However, analysts were expecting a 3% rise in same-store sales.

Pier 1 Imports Inc (PIR ) reported a 10.2% surge in its comparable-store sales for the quarter. PIR's total sales climbed 9.5% to $335 million, from $306 million in the year-ago period. The retailer projects its FQ1 net income of $0.11 to $0.12 per share, up from $0.07 per share, in the year-ago quarter. However, analysts expected net income of $0.09 per share for the quarter ended May 29.

Limited Brands Inc (LTD) reported a 6% rise in its May same-store sales on Thursday. Analysts were expecting same-store sales to increase 7%.Its net sales for the four weeks ended May 28 surged to $717.4 million from $657.3 million.

The Buckle Inc (BKE) reported that same-store net sales for May 28 surged 8.8%. Net sales for the four-week fiscal month ended May 28, 2011 increased 12.7 percent to $68.1 million from net sales of $60.4 million for the prior year four-week fiscal month ended May 29, 2010.

The Wet Seal Inc (WTSLA) reported a 2.9% rise in its May comparable store sales.

Kohl's Corporation (KSS) reported a 0.8% rise in its May same-store sales. KSS reported that its total sales increased 2.5 percent for the four-week month ended May 28, 2011.

Rite Aid Corporation (RAD) reported a 1.3% rise in its May same-store sales. However, analysts expected a rise of 1.5%.

Fred's Inc (FRED) reported a 0.2% rise its comparable store sales for the four-week fiscal month of May, which ended May 28, 2011. Fred's total sales for the month increased 1% to $143.5 million from $141.5 million in May 2010.

Saks Incorporated (SKS) reported that owned sales totaled $208.2 million for the four weeks ended May 28, 2011 compared to $177.5 million for the four weeks ended May 29, 2010, a 17.3% increase. Comparable store sales increased 20.2% for the month.

The TJX Companies Inc (TJX) reported May 2011 sales at $1.7 billion, up 7% over the $1.6 billion achieved during the four-week period ended May 29, 2010. Its consolidated comparable store sales increased 2%.

The Bon-Ton Stores Inc (BONT) reported a 2.3% decline in its comparable store sales for the four weeks ended May 28, 2011. Total sales decreased 2.9% to $181.0 million for the four weeks compared with $186.5 million for the prior year period.