Stage Stores, Inc. reported that total sales for the four week Oct. period ended Oct. 27 increased 9.8 percent to $113 million from $102 million in the prior year four week October period ended October 29, 2011. Comparable store sales for the October period increased 6.5 percent.

For the month, cosmetics, home & gifts, junior sportswear, men’s and misses sportswear posted comparable store sales gains that exceeded the company average. Geographically, all regions of the country achieved a comparable store sales increase, with the Midwest, Northeast, South Central and Southwest regions outperforming.

For the third quarter, the company reported that total sales increased 11.1 percent to $371 million from $333 million last year. Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 8.1 percent. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, total sales grew 8.2 percent to $1.12 million and comparable store sales increased 5.3 percent.

           
SALES SUMMARY
 
 
 
       
Comparable Store Sales
       
Total Sales
% Increase (Decrease)
($ in Millions)
Fiscal Period 2012         2011 2012         2011
1st Quarter 2.5 0.2 366 347
2nd Quarter 5.4 0.9 381 353
August 6.5 (1.7) 124 113
September 11.1 (0.7) 134 118
October 6.5 0.8 113 102
3rd Quarter 8.1 (0.6) 371 333
Year-To-Date (9 Mos) 5.3 0.2 1,118 1,033
 

“October was another strong month for our company and provides us with nice momentum as we enter the critical fourth quarter,” commented Michael Glazer, president and CEO.  “We feel we are well positioned for the important holiday shopping period with a solid combination of desirable merchandise assortments, a compelling promotional calendar and exciting store events.”

Store Closures Related to Hurricane Sandy

The company also provided store closure information related to Hurricane Sandy. A total of 54 stores across 10 states were closed as a result of the storm. As of November 1, 49 of the 54 stores have reopened. The company noted that the 54 stores that were closed account for approximately 7 percent of annual sales.

Store Activity

The company opened nine new stores during October. Goody’s stores were opened in Marianna, FL, Pell City, AL and Morganfield, KY; Peebles stores were opened in Taneytown, MD and Brockport, NY; a Bealls store was opened in Mountain Home, ID; and Steele’s stores were opened in Houma, LA and Uvalde and Mount Pleasant, TX.