Nordstrom, Inc. reported preliminary sales of $620.8 million for the five-week period ending April 3, 2004, an increase of 19.8 percent compared to sales of $518.2 million for the five-week period ending April 5, 2003. Same-store sales increased 15.9 percent. March same-store sales in full-line stores increased in all geographic regions and all merchandise categories.
Preliminary quarter-to-date sales of $1.1 billion increased 18.8 percent compared to sales of $0.9 billion in 2003. Quarter-to-date same-store sales increased 14.9 percent.
Based on quarter-to-date sales and gross profit performance, the Company is now expecting first quarter earnings per share to exceed prior guidance of $0.23 to $0.28. As a percent to sales, quarter to date gross profit is trending over 200 basis points higher than the prior year.
