J. C. Penney Company, Inc. department store sales increased 5.0% for the month of June. On a comparable store basis, sales increased 4.3%, on top of a 7.4% increase in last year’s period. All merchandise divisions had sales gains, with the best divisional performances in children’s, fine jewelry and women’s accessories. Additionally, men’s and women’s casual sportswear performed well. Geographically, all regions had sales gains with the best results in the western and southeastern regions of the country.
Direct sales increased 6.0% during the period on top of a 9.1% increase last year. Internet sales through jcp.com continue to represent the Company’s fastest growing sales channel, increasing approximately 27% in June, on top of a 40% increase last year.
For the four-week July period, management expects comparable department store sales to increase low single digits and Direct sales to be flat to up slightly. In last year’s July period, comparable department store and Direct sales increased 1.6% and 4.0%, respectively.
