Food, consumables drive BJ's Nov. comps growth

NATICK, Mass. BJ'S reported that sales for the month of November 2008 increased by 5.2% to $783.2 million from $744.4 million for November 2007. Excluding gasoline sales, merchandise comparable club sales increased by 6.2% versus guidance of 2% to 3%. According to the company, the increase versus guidance was due primarily to stronger sales of food and consumables, particularly during week four.

November sales increased in all regions with the highest increase in Metro New York and the lowest increase in the Southeast region. Comparable-club sales increases were highest in week four and lowest in week three, reflecting a calendar shift in the timing of Thanksgiving.

Departments with the strongest sales increases versus last year included bakery, breakfast foods, computer equipment, dairy, deli, frozen, health & beauty aids, household chemicals, meat, oils, paper products, pet foods, prepared foods, produce, snacks, soda and trash bags. Weaker departments versus last year included apparel, cigarettes, electronics, jewelry, prerecorded video, seasonal, televisions, tires and toys.