LITTLE ROCK — Early reports from several retailers show a sluggish start to the back-to-school season. Here is a snapshot of some of the same-store sales results announced Wednesday, a day before a majority of merchants are expected to report final figures. Same-store sales are sales at stores opened at least a year and are a key measure of a retailer's health.
q J.C. Penney Co.: Same-store sales: down 4.8 percent at department store business in August.
Wall Street expectations: Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters expected a 6.3 percent decline.
Outlook: expects a mid- to highsingle digit decrease in same-store sales for September.
q Kohl's Corp.:
Same-store sales:
down 5.8 percent in August.
Wall Street expectations:
Analysts expected a 7.6 percent drop.
q Costco Wholesale Corp.: Same-store sales: up 9 percent in August.
Wall Street expectations: Analysts expected 9.6 percent gain.
q Walgreen Co.: Same-store sales: up 0.9 percent in August.
Wall Street expectations: Analysts expected 3.2 percent gain.
q Pier 1 Imports Inc.: Same-store sales: down 1.7 percent for the second quarter.
Business, Pages 32 on 09/04/2008