Falling Gasoline Prices Hurt BJ’s

Natick, Mass. BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. said Thursday same-store sales edged down in January, hurt by lower sales of gas that was cheaper than a year ago.

Excluding gas sales, same-store sales rose 7.6%.

Total sales for the four weeks ended Jan. 31 edged up nearly 1% to $656.7 million from $651 million last year.

Food, health products, household cleaners and pet products were strong sellers. Apparel, domestic products, jewelry and sporting goods were weaker.

For the fourth-quarter, same-store sales rose 1.7%, including gas sales, and total sales rose 3.2% to $2.5 billion. Analysts had expected sales of $2.64 billion.

For the year, same-store sales rose 9.4%, including gas sales, and total sales rose 11.5% to $11.5 billion.