February Retail Sales Softer Than Expected
March 7, 2013 by Paul AusickThe research firm said this morning that the overall gain reached just 1.9% in February. Excluding drug stores, same-store sales rose 4.2%. The best performing sector was discount stores; the worst performer was teen apparel.
Several retailers stopped reporting same-store sales this month. Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT), Macy’s Inc. (NYSE: M) and Kohl’s Corp. (NYSE: KSS) join other retailers, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) and American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (NYSE: AEO), that no longer report monthly sales figures.
Here’s a rundown:
Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) reported that same-store sales for February rose 6% compared with February 2012. That is well above the Retail Metrics estimate for a gain of 4.6%, excluding gasoline sales.
Limited Brands Inc. (NYSE: LTD) said same-store sales for the four weeks ended March 3 rose 3% compared with February 2012 and a Retail Metrics estimate for a rise of 2.8%.
The Buckle Inc. (NYSE: BKE) reported same-store sales for February fell by 1.1% compared with the same month a year ago. The Retail Metrics estimate called for a drop of 2.3%.
Stein Mart Inc. (NASDAQ: SMRT) reported same-store sales for the four weeks ended March 2 up 0.6%. Retail Metrics estimated a same-store sales increase of 0.7% for Stein Mart.
PriceSmart Inc. (NASDAQ: PSMT) reported same-store sales for the five weeks ended March 3 rose 8.9%, well above the 6.5% rise estimated by Retail Metrics.
Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ: ZUMZ) posted a same-stores sales decline of 8.9% for the four weeks to March 2, much worse than the 1.3% decline expected by Retail Metrics.
Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) reported same-store sales rose 3% for the four weeks ended March 2. The Retail Metrics estimate called for a gain of 2.3%.
Gap’s shares are up 3.6% at $35.70 in a 52-week range of $24.54 to $37.85.
Limited’s shares are up 0.6%, at $45.33 in a 52-week range of $40.32 to $52.50.
Costco shares are up 0.8% at $103.41 in a 52-week range of $81.98 to $105.97.
Stein Mart’s shares are down 1.6% at $8.51 in a 52-week range of $6.02 to $9.34.
PriceSmart’s shares are up 1.3% at $75.32 in a 52-week range of $59.00 to $86.00.
Zumiez’s shares are down 2.0% at $22.64 in a 52-week range of $17.93 to $41.96.
The Buckle’s shares are trading up 1.1% at $44.95 in a 52-week range of $36.33 to $51.74.
Take This Retirement Quiz To Get Matched With An Advisor Now (Sponsored)
Are you ready for retirement? Planning for retirement can be overwhelming, that’s why it could be a good idea to speak to a fiduciary financial advisor about your goals today.
Start by taking this retirement quiz right here from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes. Smart Asset is now matching over 50,000 people a month.
Click here now to get started.