Sears Reports August Comparable Store Sales
Sears, Roebuck and Co. (NYSE: S) announced today that comparable domestic store revenues increased 3.9 percent for the four weeks ended Aug. 30, 2003. Total domestic store revenues were $2.1 billion in August 2003, up 4.1 percent compared with the four weeks ended Aug. 31, 2002.
"As previously announced, sales for the month of August were better than we anticipated due primarily to improving sales in our home appliance business," said Chairman and CEO Alan J. Lacy. "In addition, wet weather extended the growing season in most regions, which fueled continued strong increases in Sears' lawn and garden business."
August results included mid-single digit increases in men's apparel and accessories, as well as gains in tools and paint in the low-single digit range.
Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Domestic Store Revenues & Comparable Store Revenues
(*According to National Retail Federation Fiscal Calendar.)
(**A store is considered to be comparable at the beginning of the 13th
month after the store is opened.)
Fiscal Period Ending Percent Change
August 30, August 31, All Comp
2003 2002 Stores Stores**
August $2,050,900,000 $1,970,500,000 4.1% 3.9%
Year-to-Date* $14,955,400,000 $15,323,000,000 -2.4% -3.1%
The company has made available by phone a recorded message on sales performance of its domestic stores for August, as well as the company's forecasted results for September 2003. The message can be heard by calling (847) 286-6111 and will be available for approximately one week.
The forecasted results in the recording for September 2003 represent a "forward looking statement," which is based on assumptions about the future that are subject to risks and uncertainties, such as: competitive conditions in retail; changes in consumer confidence and spending; the successful execution of and customer reactions to Sears' full-line store strategy and other performance improvement initiatives; general economic conditions and normal business uncertainty. While the company believes its forecasts and assumptions are reasonable, it cautions that actual results may differ materially. The company intends these forecasted results to speak only as of the time of this release and does not undertake to update or revise it, as more information becomes available.
About Sears
Sears, Roebuck and Co. is a broadline retailer with significant service and credit businesses. In 2002, the company's revenue was $41.4 billion. The company offers its wide range of apparel, home and automotive products and services to families in the U.S. through Sears stores nationwide, including approximately 870 full-line stores. Sears also offers a variety of merchandise and services through its Web sites, sears.com and landsend.com, and a variety of specialty catalogs.
SOURCE: Sears, Roebuck and Co.
CONTACT: Meida, Edgar P. McDougal, +1-847-286-9669, or Investors, Pam
White, +1-847-286-1468, both of Sears