Stein Mart, Inc. reported comparable store sales for the four-week period ended March 2 increased 0.6 percent over the four-week period ended March 3, 2012 despite the prior period benefiting from a 53rd week of results.



The table below shows total sales for the most recent period compared to the period ended Feb. 25, 2012, while comparable store sales measures the period ended March 2, 2013 against the respective period ending March 3, 2012.

























Percent Change

 Total Sales (in millions) Total Sales Comparable Store Sales
Fiscal period 2013 2012 2013 2013 2012
February (4 weeks) $85.2 $80.7 5.6% 0.6% 0.7%


Linens, ladies casual sportswear and men’s sportswear posted the strongest sales for the month, while ladies boutique, ladies special sizes, dresses and ladies accessories were more challenged. Geographically, February sales were strongest in Florida and the West, while several other areas, including the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Northeast, were weaker due to seasonably cold or severe weather.
“I am pleased with our February sales performance, given the unfavorable impact of weather on certain regions and the change in our 12-hour event,” said Jay Stein, interim CEO. “While sales were down early in the month due to our replacing the February 12-hour event with a much smaller promotion, they were good overall. As previously reported, fall inventory levels were planned up at year-end to better drive early first quarter selling.”
The company operated 263 stores at the end of February this year compared to 262 stores last year.