Ross Stores July sales powered by back to school season

05 Aug '05

3 min read

Name-brand apparel, accessories and footwear provider Ross Stores Inc reported sales of $362 million for the four-week period ended July 30, 2005; a 17 percent increase above the $309 million in sales reported for the four weeks ended July 31, 2004. Comparable store sales for the same period increased 7 percent over the prior year.

For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2005, sales were $1.172 billion, a 16 percent increase over the $1.009 billion in sales reported for the 13 weeks ended July 31, 2004.

Comparable store sales for the second quarter rose 7 percent over the prior year.

For the six months ended July 30, 2005, sales totaled $2.296 billion, up 15 percent over the $2.000 billion in sales for the six months ended July 31, 2004. Comparable store sales for the first six months of 2005 grew 5 percent over the prior year.

Michael Balmuth, Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Sales in July were slightly in advance of their expectations, benefiting from continued strength in the back-to-school businesses of Juniors and Shoes."

However, due to higher than planned markdowns during the second quarter, they now estimate that earnings per share for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2005 will be $.28 to $.29.

"Although they are encouraged by the improved sales trend during July, higher than expected clearance levels as they end the month are now projected to pressure third quarter gross margin and earnings pershare as well."

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