Ross Stores reported sales of $363 million for the five week period ended October 4, 2003, a 16% increase above the $314 million in sales for the five weeks ended October 5, 2002. Comparable store sales for the same period rose 5% on top of a 7% gain in the prior year.
For the eight months through October 4, 2003, sales were $2.523 billion, a 10% increase above the $2.289 billion in sales for the prior year's comparable period ended October 5, 2002. Comparable store sales for the eight months were flat versus a 9% gain in the prior year.
In commenting, Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “Sales in September generated solid gains on top of strong increases in the prior year and in line with our expectations. We especially are pleased with the double-digit comparable store sales growth in the home categories during the month, which we believe bodes well for the holiday season. In addition, the back-to-school businesses of Juniors, Children's and Shoes all posted high single to double digit same store sales gains in September.”
