Sears, Roebuck and Co. reported that comparable domestic store revenues decreased 3.2% for the five weeks ended Oct. 2, 2004. Total domestic store revenues were $2.33 billion for the five-week period in September 2004, down 4.9% compared with the five weeks ended Oct. 4, 2003.

“Sears' comparable store sales in September were helped by revenue gains in our home appliance and lawn and garden businesses, as well as sales growth across most of our specialty retail formats,” said Sears Chairman and CEO Alan J. Lacy. “Apparel sales were disappointing during the month, due in large part to soft demand, as well as comparisons with strong apparel sales last year.”

Specialty retail revenues were up in the low-single digit range, due primarily to sales gains at Sears Dealer Stores, Orchard Supply Hardware and The Great Indoors.