Saks ekes out total sales, comp-store gain

-- Home Textiles Today, 11/5/2004 12:14:00 PM

BIRMINGHAM , Ala. — Saks Incorporated experienced a 1 percent increase in total sales and a modest rise of 0.3 percent in comparable store sales during the third quarter.

Total sales reported were $1.47 billion, compared to last year's same period at $1.45 billion, the company said.

The retailer's management team estimated that the frequent hurricane activity in the Southeast negatively affected total comparable-store sales by approximately $13 million, or 90 basis points. By segment, the hurricane effect for the quarter is estimated at $7 million, or 90 basis points for Saks Department Store Group (SDSG), and approximately $6 million, or 100 basis points, for Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises (SFAE).

For the four week-period ended Oct. 30, compared to the same period last year, total sales increased 5.5 percent and comparable-store sales increased 4.4 percent on a total company basis.