Sears Sees December Comps Decline 3.0%

Sears, Roebuck and Co. reportedthat comparable domestic store revenues decreased 3.0% for the five weeks ended Jan. 1, 2005. Total domestic store revenues were $3.84 billion for the five-week period in December 2004, down 2.4% compared with the five weeks ended Jan. 3, 2004.

“Relatively strong sales at the end of the holiday shopping season were insufficient to offset a slow start to the month,” said Sears Chairman and CEO Alan J. Lacy. “Most categories in apparel and the home group had sales declines. Sears online business and gift card sales reported solid growth.”

Specialty retail store revenues were up in the low-single digit range, led by Orchard Supply, Sears Hardware and The Great Indoors.

     Sears, Roebuck and Co.
     Domestic Store Revenues & Comparable Store Revenues
     (*According to National Retail Federation Fiscal Calendar.)
     (**A store is considered to be comparable at the beginning of the 13th
     month after the store is opened.)

                            Fiscal Period Ending              Percent Change
                         January 1,       January 3,          All       Comp
                            2005            2004            Stores    Stores**
      December        $3,840,600,000   $3,933,200,000       -2.4%       -3.0%
      Year-to-Date*  $25,012,800,000  $25,711,900,000       -2.7%       -1.7%