Big Lots 1Q sales down 0.8%

COLUMBUS, Ohio Big Lots reported first quarter retail sales decreased 0.8% to $1.13 billion, compared to $1.14 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. Comparable-store sales for stores open at least two years at the beginning of the fiscal year decreased 0.5% for the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

The best performing categories during the first quarter were consumables, furniture, and hardlines, with all three categories posting comparable-store sales increases for the quarter. Sales trends in the home and seasonal categories improved in the first quarter compared to the results of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, but comparable-store sales remained below last year.