October same-store sales were still down for many companies, but not the dramatic double-digit declines retailers have experienced much of the year.
Here’s a look at how a wide range of retailers performed. Zumiez reported results yesterday and Pacific Sunwear no longer reports monthly sales.
Teen retailers
The Buckle
The Buckle’s men’s business has softened, but its women’s business continues to shine.
Same store sales: up 4.3%
Total men’s sales: “up slightly”
Strong men’s categories: denim, sweaters, outerwear, footwear
Total women’s sales: up 17%, accounting for 61.5% of sales.
Strong women’s categories: denim, woven tops, sweaters, outerwear, accessories and footwear.
Total accessories sales: up 7%
Footwear: up 22%
Urban Outfitters
Q3 retail comps (includes online and catalog): up 2%
Q3 total store comps: down 2%
Q3 Urban Outfitters comps: down 5 %. The company had a tough comparison of a 17% increase at Urban last October.
Q3 Anthropologie: up 3%
Q3 Free People: down 13%
Abercrombie and Fitch
The company stemmed the hemorrhaging a bit this month but continues to struggle, posting some of the weakest results in the sector. Hollister sales remained weak.
Total company same-store sales: down 15%
Hollister: down 21%
Abercrombie & Fitch stores: down 8%
Abercrombie: down 17%
Ruehl: down 23%
Hot Topic
Total same-store sales: down 2.6%
Hot Topic: down 2.6%
Torrid: down 2.5%
American Apparel
The company said it was up against a tough comparison.
Same-stores sales: down 6%
Aeropostale
The low-cost teen retailer has been a top performer, but sales came in under analyst estimates.
Same-stores sales: up 3%
American Eagle Outfitters
Total same-stores sales: down 5%
The Gap
Sales trends improved for most of the company’s chains in October.
Total same-store sales: up 4%
Gap North America: down 6%
Banana Republic: up 5%
Old Navy: up 14%
International: down 4%
Department stores
Macy’s
Same-store sales: down 0.8%
Nordstrom
Nordstrom outperformed its luxury competitors.
Same-store sales: up 6.5%
Strong categories: kids’ shoes, coats and dresses, Point of View
Strong regions: Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks sales trends showed some improvement in October.
Same-store sales: up 0.7%
Women’s designer sportswear, “gold range” apparel, outerwear, jewelry, and soft accessories showed some strength.
Mid-tier and discount chains
JC Penney
The company slightly beat its same-store sales estimates.
Same-store sales: down 4.5 %
Strong categories: women’s apparel, shoes.
Weak categories: jewelry
Best region: Southwest, with continued improvement in California.
Worst region: Southeast
The company expects same-store sales to be down 4 to 7 percent in November.
Kohl’s
Same-store sales: up 1.4%
Best region: Southwest
Best category: home
Target
Target’s results were slightly better than expected.
Same-store sales: down 0.1 %
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