Total store sales for The Elder-Beerman Stores Corp. increased to $27.7 million for the four weeks ending February 1, 2003, a 4.5% total sales increase compared to the four weeks ending February 2, 2002. Comparable store sales increased 4.7% over the same period last year.

On a comparable store basis, the best performing businesses in January were coats, ladies special sizes sportswear, accessories, intimate apparel, men’s apparel and furnishings and the entire home store, including domestics and furniture.

Total store sales for the fourth quarter ending February 1, 2003 were $214.2 million, a decrease of 2.4 percent compared to the thirteen weeks ending February 2, 2002. Comparable store sales for the quarter decreased 2.6 percent versus last year.

Total store sales for the 2002 fiscal year ending February 1, 2003 were $639.9 million, a 0.5 percent decrease compared to fiscal 2001. Comparable store sales for fiscal 2002 decreased 2.4 percent versus last year.