Dillard’s, Inc. reported sales for the four weeks ended February 2, 2008 fell 12% to $435.3 million from $622.0 million a year ago. Comps fell by the same amount.


 


The department store chain, based in Little Rock, ARK, notes that the New Year’s Day shopping activity occurred in the December fiscal month this year and in the January fiscal month last year. Management estimates the unfavorable impact of this New Year’s Day-related calendar shift to be approximately 8% in both total and comparable stores for the four week period discussed.


 


Sales for the thirteen weeks ended February 2, 2008 were $2,161,839,000. Sales for the fourteen weeks ended February 3, 2007 were $2,396,697,000. Sales for the thirteen weeks ended February 2, 2008 compared to the thirteen weeks ended January 27, 2007 declined 5% on both a total and comparable store basis.


 


Sales for the fifty-two weeks ended February 2, 2008 were $7,204,914,000. Sales for the fifty-three weeks ended February 3, 2007 were $7,635,273,000. Total sales declined 4% for the fifty-two weeks ended February 2, 2008 compared to the fifty-two weeks ended January 27, 2007. Sales in comparable stores for this fifty-two week period declined 5%.


 


During the four weeks ended February 2, 2008, sales in the Central region were slightly above the Company’s average sales performance trend for period. Sales were slightly below trend in the Eastern region and below trend in the Western region.


 


During the four weeks ended February 2, 2008, sales in cosmetics, although declined, were significantly above the Company’s average sales performance trend for the period. Sales in the home, furniture and other category were significantly below trend for the period.