Dillard’s reports disappointing sales

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Dillard’s announced that merchandise sales for the five weeks ended Oct. 3 were $519.26 million compared to sales for the five weeks ended Oct. 4 the prior year of $568.47 million. Total sales decreased 9%. Sales in comparable stores decreased 6% for the five-week period.

Sales for the 35 weeks ended Oct. 3 were $3.73 billion compared to sales for the 35 weeks ended Oct. 4 the prior year of $4.36 billion. Total sales decreased 14%. Sales in comparable stores decreased 12% for the 35-week period.

During the five weeks ended Oct. 3, sales were slightly above the average total company trend in the Eastern region, consistent with trend in the Central region and below trend in the Western region. The sales performances in the home and furniture category and the men’s category were significantly below trend. Sales of shoes were significantly stronger than trend during the period.