BJ's Wholesale Club, Inc. reported that sales for December 2005 increased 4.5% to $965.9 million from $924.5 million last year. On a comparable club basis, sales increased by 1.4% for the month of December, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of approximately 40 basis points. Last year, the Company reported a comparable club sales increase of 5.6% for December, including a 1.4% contribution from sales of gasoline.
Sales Results for December 2005
($ in thousands)
Five Weeks Ended % Change
December 31, January 1, Net Comp.
2005 2005 Sales Sales
$ 965,864 $ 924,484 4.5% 1.4%
Forty-eight Weeks Ended % Change
December 31, January 1, Net Comp.
2005 2005 Sales Sales
$ 7,260,517 $ 6,724,302 8.0% 3.7%
The Company provided the following additional information regarding December 2005 sales for BJ's Wholesale Club:
The month of December included 34 sales days in both 2005 and 2004. Comparable club sales were strongest in week four, the week leading up Christmas, due in part to the Christmas day calendar shift.
By major region, comparable club sales increased in all markets and were highest in metro New York.
On a comparable club basis, excluding sales of gasoline, traffic decreased by approximately 3% and the average transaction amount increased by approximately 5%.
Also on a comparable club basis, sales of food increased by approximately 5% and general merchandise sales decreased by approximately 3%.
Merchandise categories with the strongest sales increases compared to last year included beauty care, household chemicals, coffee, paper products, produce, soda & water, televisions, toys and trash bags. Weaker categories versus last year included apparel, best seller books, computer equipment, domestics, DVDs, small appliances and software.
