Ross Again Leads The Way

New York — For the second month in a row, its Ross Stores coming across the same-store-sales finish line with a comfortable lead — this time besting second place Costco.

Ross saw a comp rise for August of 13 percent, following up on a July performance during which it raised comps 7 percent. The company was also able to raise sales on an overall basis 24.4 percent.

Costco posted a comp increase of 9 percent and an overall sales increase of 12.4 percent, followed by Sam's Club with comps up 6.6, Target up 6.3 and BJ's up 5.6 rounding out the winners circle.

At the other end of the spectrum were Pier 1 where comps dropped 12.4 percent, ShopKo Stores losing 10.1 percent of its comp ground, Pamida down 6.6 percent and Hancock, falling 6.3 percent.

Saks Department Stores also had a tough month, with comps down 4.9 percent. On an overall basis, the retailer faired far worse, with sales down 23.5 percent. Sales at Saks Fifth Avenue Stores did better, comps rising 5.3 percent and overall sales up 1.9 percent.

While not making the list of star comp performers — where it increased sales 4.6 percent — Kohl's managed to raise overall sales 14.3 percent.

Making another solid showing was Wal-Mart, where overall the company raised sales 10 percent, taking comps up 3.3 percent. At Wal-Mart Stores, comps grew 2.6 percent, while at Sam's Club, comps increased a stronger 6.6 percent.

Federated remained fairly flat for the month, raising comps 1.1 percent and overall sales 1.2 percent. In its statement, Federated broke out May's August sales numbers, relating that the department store had a decrease in comps of 2.8 percent and an overall sales decline of 2.6 percent.