Ross Stores, Inc. reported sales of $446 million for the five week fiscal September, a 19% increase above the $374 million in sales reported last year. Comparable store sales for the same period rose 9% over the prior year.
For the eight month period ended October 1, 2005, sales were $3.130 billion, a 16% increase above the $2.687 billion in sales for the prior year's comparable period ended October 2, 2004. Comparable store sales for the eight months grew 6% over the prior year.
Michael Balmuth, vice chairman, president and chief executive officer, commented, “We are pleased to report that September results were ahead of our forecast for a 6% to 7% increase in comparable store sales, benefiting from continued strength in Shoes, Home, Children's and Juniors. In addition, most of the higher-than-planned business during September was driven by full-margin sales, as markdowns remained in line with expectations. Looking ahead, we continue to project that same store sales will increase 3% to 4% in October on top of a 4% gain in the prior year.”
