BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. sales for March 2006 increased by 7.3% to $712.7 million from $664.2 million in March 2005. On a comparable club basis, sales increased by 3.1%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of approximately 0.9%. Due to a calendar shift in the Easter holiday, the month of March included one extra day of sales versus 2005 when all BJ's clubs were closed on Sunday, March 27. This calendar shift impacted sales positively by approximately 1% to 1 1/5%.
Sales Results for March
($ in thousands)
Five Weeks Ended % Change
April 1, April 2, Net Comp.
2006 2005 Sales Sales
-------- -------- ----- ------
$ 712,705 $ 664,197 7.3% 3.1%
Nine Weeks Ended % Change
April 1, April 2, Net Comp.
2006 2005 Sales Sale
-------- -------- ----- ------
$ 1,280,583 $ 1,200,315 6.7% 2.4%
On a comparable club basis, sales were strongest in week five due to an one extra day of sales resulting from the Easter calendar shift from March last year to April this year. Sales were softest in week four, reflecting last year's pre-Easter sales. Comparable club sales were positive in all major regions, with the highest increases in the Mid-Atlantic and in Metro New York markets.
Excluding sales of gasoline, the average transaction amount for the month of March rose by approximately 4% and traffic decreased by approximately 1%.
On a comparable club basis, food sales increased by approximately 3% and general merchandise sales increased by approximately 1%. Categories with strong comparable club sales increases compared to last year included fresh produce, household chemicals, juices, lawn & garden, paper products, residential furniture, sporting goods, storage, summer seasonal, televisions and water. Weaker categories versus last year included apparel, candy, DVDs, jewelry and video games.
