Ross Stores reported sales of $391 million for the four weeks ended November 27, 2004, a 7% increase over the $364 million in sales for the four weeks ended November 29, 2003. Comparable store sales for the same period declined 2% on top of a 5% gain in the prior year.
For the 43 weeks ended November 27, 2004, sales totaled $3.419 billion, a 7% increase over the $3.186 billion in sales for the 43 weeks ended November 29, 2003. For the 43 week period, comparable store sales fell 1% from the prior year period.
In commenting, Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “November same store sales performed in line with our expectations for a 1% to 4% decline versus a strong 5% gain in the prior year. The strongest markets were Texas and Florida, while the best performing merchandise categories were Shoes and Accessories. Looking ahead, we are maintaining our prior same store sales forecast for a 1% to 4% decline in both December and January.”
