J. C. Penney Company Inc comparable department store sales increased 2.6 percent for the five weeks ended Dec. 30, 2006, in line with initial expectations for a low-single digit increase and compared with a 2.2 percent gain last year.
Total department store sales increased 4.2 percent for the five weeks. The best sales performances for the month were in children's, fine jewelry and fashion jewelry, as well as seasonal and gift categories such as home entertainment.
Geographically, the best performances for the month were in the west and northeast regions of the country. While certain apparel areas were impacted by unseasonably warm weather across much of the country, the Company is pleased with overall holiday sales performance and its enhanced "redbox gifts" program.
Internet sales through website increased 15.2 percent in December, on top of a 26 percent increase last year. Total Direct sales, including catalog media and outlet stores, decreased 1.4 percent for the period compared with initial guidance for a low-single digit increase and a 4.3 percent increase last year.
Direct sales reflect improvement in the performance of apparel, accessory and gift merchandise, partially offsetting weakness in soft home, which represents a significant share of the direct business.
marketing@alchempro.com
