Dillard’s, Inc. reported sales for the five weeks ended April 3, 2010 were $526.9 million versus $$490.1 million a year ago, an 8% gain.
Sales in comparable stores increased 9% for the five-week period.
The company noted that Easter Sunday occurred the first day of the April fiscal month this year and one week later last year. Because of this calendar shift, 2010 March sales results were benefited by a considerable amount of Easter shopping activity which occurred in the first week of April last year. The company will provide combined March and April sales results on May 6, 2010.
Merchandise sales for the nine weeks ended April 3, 2010 were $1,026,049,000 compared to sales for the nine weeks ended April 4, 2009 of $987,781,000. Total sales increased 4% on a percentage basis. Sales in comparable stores increased 5% for the nine-week period.
During the five weeks ended April 3, 2010, sales were above the average total Company trend in the Central region, consistent with trend in the Eastern region and below trend in the Western region. The sales performances in the juniors and childrens apparel category and the shoes category were significantly above trend. Sales in the home and furniture category and cosmetics were significantly below trend during the period.
