Macys, Inc. reported total sales of $1.80 billion for the five weeks ended Feb. 2, 2013, an increase of 34.6 percent compared with total sales of $1.34 billion in the four weeks ended Jan. 28, 2012. The January period reflects an extra week in fiscal 2012, creating a 53-week fiscal year that occurs approximately every six years in the accounting cycle for most retailing companies. On a same-store basis-which includes comparable four-week periods this year and last year-Macys, Inc. sales were up 11.7 percent in January as compared to January 2012.
Simply put, January was an outstanding month for Macys and Bloomingdales,” said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Macys. “Our sales were driven by our strategy to flow-in more fresh fashion goods in December to better serve post-holiday shoppers seeking new and interesting merchandise. This exceptional January performance capped our companys third consecutive year of topline sales growth of more than $1 billion, which began in 2009 when we restructured Macys into a national retailer with a local focus. Clearly, our strategies are resonating with customers as they shop in our stores, online and via mobile.”
For the 14-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, Macys, Inc.s sales totaled $9.350 billion, up 7.2 percent from total sales of $8.724 billion for the final 13 weeks of 2011. On a same-store basis-which includes comparable 13-week periods this year and last year-the companys fourth quarter sales were up 3.9 percent.
For fiscal 2012 as a whole, Macys, Inc. sales totaled $27.686 billion, up 4.9 percent from total sales of $26.405 billion in fiscal 2011. On a same-store basis-which includes comparable 52-week periods this year and last year-Macys, Inc.s fiscal 2012 sales were up 3.7 percent. Online sales (macys.com and bloomingdales.com combined) were up 48.9 percent in January, 47.7 percent in the fourth quarter and 41 percent for fiscal 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011. Online sales positively affected the companys same-store sales by 3.3 percentage points in the fourth quarter and 2.2 percentage points in fiscal 2012 as a whole. Online sales are included in the same-store sales calculation for Macy’s, Inc.
We are continuing to execute new elements within our key strategies to maintain the growth and momentum in our business. Our team across the company remains committed to innovation and continuous improvement through enhanced localization of our merchandising and marketing strategies, omnichannel integration and customer engagement, Lundgren said.
Updated Guidance
Given its strong January performance, the company is raising fourth quarter earnings guidance to the level previously provided in November 2012. Earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2012 is now expected in the range of $1.94 to $1.99, excluding costs associated with the previously announced debt tender offer and store closings. This compares with earnings guidance provided on Jan. 3, 2013 for fourth quarter earnings in the range of $1.91 to $1.96 per diluted share, excluding those costs.
Including the 22 cents per diluted share for costs associated with the debt tender offer and store closings, earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2012 are now expected to be in the range of $1.72 to $1.77.
