BJ's May comps aided by gas sales

NATICK, Mass. BJ's Wholesale Club Thursday reported that net sales for May increased by 8.2% to $711 million from $657.4 million in May 2006. On a comparable-club basis, sales increased by 4.1%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 1% and a negative impact of 0.4% from the absence of pharmacy sales versus last year. For the month of May last year, the company reported a comparable-club sales increase of 4.2%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 2.2%.

According to the company, departments with strong sales increases compared to last year included milk and dairy, frozen fish and meat, juices, major appliances, lawn and garden, meat, soda and water, snacks, summer seasonal and televisions. Weaker categories versus last year included chemicals, coffee and tea, film and battery, furniture, generators, health and beauty, jewelry, paper products and toys.