Stage Stores, Inc. saw February net sales increase 1.2% to $105.9 million from $104.6 million in the prior year four week period. Comparable store sales decreased 2.5% this year vs. an increase of 1.4% last year.
Jim Scarborough, chairman and CEO, commented, “In addition to weak macroeconomic conditions, our February comparable store sales results are reflective of regional differences in weather conditions during the last half of the month. Our eastern market stores were negatively impacted by severe wintry weather, while stores in our south central and southwestern markets benefited from much milder weather.”
The company reported that its cosmetics, dresses, footwear and intimates departments all achieved comparable store sales increases in February, and its childrens category, while negative, performed better than the company average. Cosmetics was the companys best performing category during February with a 9.5% comparable store sales increase.
Store Activity
During February, the company reopened its hurricane damaged Bealls store in Seminole, TX. For the remainder of the first quarter, the company currently expects to open six stores in March and an additional seven stores in April.
