BJ's posts Oct., 3Q sales and comps increases

NATICK, Mass. BJ's reported sales for October 2008 of $738.8 million, an increase of 11.6% from $662.1 million in October 2007. Comparable-club sales increased 10.2%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline worth 3.6%, compared to a 4.8% increase in 2007.

For the third quarter ended Nov. 1, sales increased by 13.4% to $2.4 billion, and comparable-club sales increased by 11.9%, including a contribution from sales of gasoline of 5.3%.

Primarily as a result of higher-than-expected gasoline income, the company increased its earnings guidance for the third quarter to a range of 45 cents to 49 cents per diluted share, from previous guidance of 36 cents to 40 cents per diluted share.