July a Mixed Sales Bag for Chain Retailers

With government stimulus checks mostly spent, July was a gloomy month for retailers. WWD took a toll of the national

With government stimulus checks mostly spent, July was a gloomy month for retailers. WWD took a toll of the national chains that either fell short of expectations or took a hit last month–or both–compared to July 2007.

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Sales were up 3 percent year-over-year at Wal-Mart, falling short of the 3.4 percent boost analysts predicted. The nation’s largest retailer prepared investors for a tough August as well, estimating a 1 to 2 percent increase.

  • Target’s sales fell 1.2 percent annually.
  • Kohl’s dropped 10.4 percent.
  • J.C. Penney’s were down 6.5 percent.
  • Neiman Marcus’ sales were down 1.7 percent.
  • Saks were down 5.3 percent.
  • Nordstrom’s same-store sales dropped 6.1 percent.
  • Sales at Gap Inc.’s sales were down 11 percent.
  • Abercrombie & Fitch and American Eagle Outfitters were both down 7 percent for the month.
  • Limited Brands dropped 5 percent.
  • Sales at Wet Seal dropped 8.2 percent.
  • Sales at Dillard’s were up 2 percent.

There were a few bright spots in annual sales, though.

  • Aeropostale managed a 13 percent increase.
  • Sam’s Club sales rose 3.5 percent.
  • Costco (COST)’s were up 10 percent.

July a Mixed Sales Bag for Chain Retailers