Stage Stores, Inc. reported that its total sales for the five week September period ended October 3, decreased 2.4% to $113 million from $115 million in the prior year five week period ended October 4, 2008. Comparable store sales decreased 5.6% this year versus a decrease of 13.6% last year.
Intimates and juniors achieved comparable store sales increases during September. Accessories, cosmetics, footwear and misses sportswear performed better than the Company average. The Midwest was the Company’s best performing region, while the Southeast was its weakest.
Commenting on the month’s results, Andy Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Our September same store sales results benefited from the Labor Day calendar shift and an easier comparison to last year when sales were significantly impacted by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Conversely, September’s sales were negatively affected by reduced levels of clearance merchandise.”
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Comparable Store Sales Trend |
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% Increase (Decrease) |
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($ in Millions) |
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Fiscal Period |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
2008 |
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(10.7) |
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(1.4) |
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342 |
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373 |
August |
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(9.5) |
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(8.3) |
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111 |
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120 |
September |
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(5.6) |
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(13.6) |
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113 |
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115 |
Quarter-To-Date |
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(7.6) |
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(11.0) |
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224 |
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235 |
Year-To-Date (8 Mos) |
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(9.3) |
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(5.3) |
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899 |
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961 |
Store Activity
The company opened six stores in September. New Goody’s stores were opened in Calhoun, GA, Campbellsville, KY, Princeton, IN, New Boston, OH and Warrensburg, MO. A new Stage store was opened in Lebanon, MO. It now has 757 stores located in 39 states under the five names of Bealls, Goody’s, Palais Royal, Peebles and Stage.
