BJ's reports October comps increase

NATICK, Mass. BJ’s Wholesale Club today reported that sales for October increased by 9.2% to $663.8 million from $607.9 million in October 2006. Comparable-club sales increased by 4.8% for the month, compared with a comparable-club sales decrease for October of 0.7%, including a negative impact from sales of gasoline of 2.5%.

For the third quarter ended Nov. 3, total sales increased by 8.1% to $2.12 billion, and comparable-club sales increased by 3.4%. For the third quarter ended Oct. 28, 2006, comparable-club sales increased by 0.1%.

According to BJ's, October sales increased in all major regions with the highest increase in Metro New York and the lowest increase in the Southeast. Food sales increased by approximately 5% for the month of October and 6% for the third quarter. General merchandise sales were approximately flat in October and increased by approximately 2% for the third quarter.

For the month of October, BJ's reported that categories with strong comparable-club sales increases included coffee, dairy, frozen, juices, meat, milk, office supplies, produce, soda and water and televisions. Weaker categories versus last year included apparel, automotive and tools, cigarettes, prerecorded video, residential furniture and tires.