Kohl's reports monthly comps decrease

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. Kohl’s reported that total sales for the five-week month ended Oct. 4 increased 0.6% from the five-week month ended Oct. 6, 2007. On a comparable-store basis, sales decreased 5.5%.

Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s president and ceo, commented, “Customer purchases continue to be need-based, as evidenced by our stronger performance in children’s and in more weather-sensitive regions. We continue to effectively manage inventory, merchandise margins and expenses appropriately to sales trends.” 

Given current trends, the company now expects its third quarter earnings to be at the low end of its previously announced guidance of 51 cents to 56 cents per diluted share.