BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. reported that sales for September 2005 increased by 8.7% to $735.9 million from $676.8 million in September 2004. On a comparable club basis, sales increased by 3.8% for the month of September, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of approximately 3.2%.
Last year, the company reported a comparable club sales increase of 8.3%, including a negative impact of approximately 40 basis points from sales of gasoline.
Sales Results for September 2005
($ in thousands)
Five Weeks Ended % Change
October 1, October 2, Net Comp.
2005 2004 Sales Sales
$ 735,933 $ 676,768 8.7% 3.8%
Thirty-five Weeks Ended % Change
October 1, October 2, Net Comp.
2005 2004 Sales Sales
$ 5,084,771 $ 4,661,766 9.1% 4.5%
The company provided the following additional information regarding September 2005 sales:
Comparable club sales increased in all major markets. In the company's southeast region, comparable club sales were significantly below trend due primarily to repeated cycles of hurricane-related stock up and replenishment sales last year.
Comparable club sales increased in all five weeks with the strongest increase in week two. Excluding sales of gasoline, traffic decreased by approximately 3% and the average transaction amount rose by approximately 4%.
On a comparable club basis, sales of food increased by approximately 5% and general merchandise sales decreased by approximately 6%. In general merchandise, significant decreases in sales of generators, flashlights, film & battery and sleeping bags, as well as propane tanks, canisters and grills reflected last year's hurricane related buying.
Merchandise categories with the strongest sales increases compared to last year included apparel, beauty care, coffee, juices, paper products, produce, residential furniture and soda & water. Weaker categories also included computer equipment, prerecorded video & DVD, small appliances and video game hardware & software.
