Sears March Comps Up 0.1%

Sears, Roebuck and Co. announced comparable domestic store revenues increased 0.1 percent for the five weeks ended April 3, 2004. Total domestic store revenues were $2.37 billion for the five-week period in March 2004, down 1.3 percent compared with the five weeks ended April 5, 2003.

“March results were mixed, with comparable store sales increases in important categories such as consumer electronics, lawn and garden products, fitness equipment, tools, home fashions and men's apparel offset by declines in women's apparel and home appliances,” said Sears Chairman and CEO Alan J. Lacy.

Among off-the-mall units, Sears Hardware Stores and Orchard Supply Hardware combined to record a sales increase for the month, which was offset by a revenue decrease reported by Dealer Stores.

    Sears, Roebuck and Co.
    Domestic Store Revenues & Comparable Store Revenues
    (*According to National Retail Federation Fiscal Calendar.)
    (**A store is considered to be comparable at the beginning of the 13th
    month after the store is opened.)

                         Fiscal Period Ending            Percent Change
                        April 3,       April 5,         All          Comp
                         2004           2003          Stores        Stores**
    March          $2,370,500,000   $2,400,800,000     -1.3%         0.1%
    Year-to-Date*  $4,112,500,000   $4,150,700,000     -0.9%         0.5%