Saks' July sales decreased 12.5% and comparable store sales increased 0.3% on a total company basis. By segment, comparable store sales decreased 3.1% for SDSG and increased 4.1% for SFAE for the month. Sales below are in millions and represent sales from owned departments only.
The Company completed the sale of its SDSG Proffitt's/McRae's business to Belk, Inc. effective Midnight on July 2, 2005. Therefore, Proffitt's/McRae's sales are included in prior year sales and in current year sales through June 2005 (fiscal month ended July 2, 2005). Beginning in July 2005 (fiscal month beginning July 3, 2005), Proffitt's/McRae's sales are excluded from total company and comparable sales.

For the four weeks ended July 30, 2005 compared to the four weeks ended July 31, 2004, owned sales were:

                                                   Total    Comparable
                                                  Increase   Increase
                          This Year   Last Year (Decrease)  (Decrease)
                         ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
SDSG                       $  174.0    $ 224.1     (22.4%)      (3.1%)
SFAE                          166.2      164.7       0.9%        4.1%
                         ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Total                      $  340.2    $ 388.8     (12.5%)       0.3%

July 2005 sales performance at SFAE reflected increased levels of clearance selling in the Saks Fifth Avenue stores over last year.

Merchandise categories with the best sales performances for SDSG in July were intimate apparel, junior's apparel, accessories, and women's special size apparel. Categories with the softest sales performances for SDSG in July were soft home, dresses, women's suits, and women's moderate sportswear. Categories with the best sales performances for SFAE in July were women's and men's contemporary and modern sportswear, women's designer apparel, fine jewelry, and accessories. Categories with the softest performances for SFAE in July were private brand, women's bridge apparel, and Salon Z (women's large sizes).

For the second quarter ended July 30, 2005 compared to the quarter ended July 31, 2004, owned sales were:

                                                   Total
                                                  Increase  Comparable
                           This Year   Last Year (Decrease)  Increase
                           ----------- --------- ---------- ----------
SDSG                       $    721.7  $  766.4      (5.8%)       0.5%
SFAE                            584.2     573.9       1.8%        4.2%
                           ----------- --------- ---------- ----------
Total                      $  1,305.9  $1,340.3      (2.6%)       2.1%

On a year-to-date basis, for the six months ended July 30, 2005 compared to the six months ended July 31, 2004, owned sales were:

 

                                                  Total     Comparable
                                                 Increase    Increase
                           This Year  Last Year (Decrease)  (Decrease)
                           ---------- --------- ---------- -----------
SDSG                       $ 1,562.1  $1,620.1      (3.6%)      (0.3%)
SFAE                         1,283.4   1,248.5       2.8%        4.9%
                           ---------- --------- ---------- -----------
Total                      $ 2,845.5  $2,868.6      (0.8%)       2.0%