BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. reported that sales for February increased by 9.3% to $814.1 million from $744.6 million in February 2010. Comparable club sales increased by 5.5% for the month, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 3.1%. Excluding gasoline sales, merchandise comparable club sales increased by 2.4%. Severe winter storms had a negative impact on merchandise comparable clubs sales of 1% to 1.5%.

For February 2010, the company reported a comparable club sales increase of 7.5%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 3.6%. Excluding the impact of gasoline, merchandise comparable club sales increased by 3.9% in February 2010. A calendar shift in the timing of the Super Bowl from January 2009 to February 2010 had a positive impact on merchandise comparable clubs sales of approximately 2% and severe winter storms had a negative impact of 2% to 2.5%.
Sales Results for February 2011

($ in thousands)


 

 
 

 
Four Weeks Ended

% Change

February 26,
2011


February 27,
2010



Net
Sales


Comp.
Sales

$ 814,056

$744,565


9.3%

5.5%


The company provided the following additional information regarding comparable club sales for February 2011:

  • Sales increased in all four weeks with strongest increases in weeks two and four.
  • Sales increased in all regions with the strongest increases in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
  • Excluding sales of gasoline, traffic increased by approximately 3% and the average transaction amount was approximately flat.
  • Sales of food increased by approximately 4% and general merchandise sales decreased by about 2%.
  • Departments with the strongest sales increases compared to last year included beauty care, candy, cookies, dairy, deli, meat, milk, paper, prepared foods, produce, seasonal, small appliances and snacks. Weaker departments versus last year included baby food, cigarettes, computer equipment, computer software, diapers, pre-recorded video and televisions.

As of Feb. 26, 2011, BJ's operated 190 warehouse clubs in 15 states.