There were a few bright spots in February same-store sales, and in some cases while same-store sales were down, they were down less that expected.
Unfortunately, we don’t know how the industry’s largest customer, PacSun, performed because the company is no longer reporting monthly same-store sales.
The Buckle continues to amaze, even on top of tough comparisons from last year, while Zumiez continues to struggle. Industry competitor Hollister, is seeing sales plummet.
Here are more details for February results.
Zumiez
Same-store sales: down 13.4 percent
Week one: down 14.7 percent
Week two: down 12 percent
Week three: down 13.1 percent
Week four: down 13.9 percent
No. of transactions: down
Avg. transaction amount: up slightly
Strong categories: footwear
Weak categories: men’s, junior’s and boy’s apparel, accessories, hardgoods.
Regions: Stores west of Texas down in negative teen range.
No. of total stores: 345
The Buckle
Same-store sales: up 21 percent. That’s on top of a 24.3 percent comp increase in February 2008.
Total men’s sales: up 16.5 percent
Strong categories: denim, woven and knit shirts
Price points: up 11 percent
Total women’s sales: up 37.5 percent
Strong categories: denim, knit tops, accessories
Men’s and women’s accessories: up 26.5 percent
Men’s and women’s footwear: up 14.5 percent
Markdowns: down vs. February 2008.
No. of stores: 391
American Apparel
Same-store sales: down 9 percent. The company said it was up against a tough comparison of a 45 percent increase during the same period last year.
No. of stores: 260
Macy’s
Same-store sales: down 8.5 percent
No. of stores: 840
Nordstrom
Same-store sales: down 15.4 percent
Strong categories: Junior’s apparel, cosmetics
No of stores: 169
Abercrombie & Fitch
Company-wide same-stores sales: down 30 percent
Hollister: down 33 percent
Abercrombie & Fitch stores: down 27 percent
Abercrombie stores: down 34 percent
Ruehl: down 33 percent
Total stores: 1,127
